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MAUI Is Coming to Linux

Avalonia UI has released the first preview of its backend for .NET MAUI, bringing much-anticipated support for Linux and WebAssembly to MAUI applications. This integration provides developers with the flexibility to choose between native or consistently drawn UIs across diverse platforms. It's a significant stride for cross-platform .NET development, extending its reach and offering enhanced control over application appearance and deployment.

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The Lowdown

Avalonia UI has announced the first preview of its backend for .NET MAUI, a major update that enables .NET MAUI applications to run on Linux and WebAssembly. This development significantly broadens the cross-platform capabilities of .NET MAUI, allowing developers to target platforms previously outside its native scope. The integration aims to enhance UI consistency and flexibility, offering a choice between native-looking interfaces and Avalonia's custom-drawn, uniform aesthetic.

  • The new Avalonia backend for .NET MAUI extends application deployment to Linux and WebAssembly.
  • It offers developers a choice between native UI rendering (integrating with the host OS look and feel) and a consistent, custom-drawn UI provided by Avalonia across all platforms.
  • Getting started is simplified, involving a four-step process to integrate the Avalonia.Controls.Maui.Desktop NuGet package into existing .NET MAUI apps.
  • The project has also introduced improvements to Avalonia itself, including new navigation APIs, benefiting all Avalonia users.
  • Extensive testing was conducted by porting several existing .NET MAUI applications, such as the .NET MAUI control gallery, MauiPlanets, AlohaAI, and MyConference, to validate compatibility and performance.
  • The preview supports key .NET MAUI features like WebView, GraphicsView, and SkiaSharp.Views.Maui, ensuring broad interoperability with existing libraries and controls.
  • Future plans include developing a bespoke Maui.Essentials implementation and enabling interoperability with WinUI to further enhance native platform support.

This preview represents a pivotal advancement for the .NET ecosystem, providing developers with expanded options for building and deploying cross-platform applications. By merging .NET MAUI's capabilities with Avalonia's flexibility, the project addresses critical platform gaps and empowers the creation of more versatile and visually consistent software across a wider array of operating environments.