Multi-platform Development in .NET

For years, we have supported Delphi FMX to recompile apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. We were often asked to provide the same for .NET. Now, it is here: TaukGIS Developer Kernel for .NET MAUI.

Choosing a framework for .NET has not been an easy task. Microsoft has a history of discontinuing frameworks that it once heavily promoted. Our decision to support MAUI is based on its foundation in the well-known Xamarin platform. MAUI, however, comes with limitations and should not be considered a full replacement for compiled Windows applications built with mature frameworks like WinForms or WPF.

Let’s take macOS as an example. A macOS application built with MAUI is not a fully native app, but rather a Mac Catalyst app - a method of reusing iOS code to run on macOS. This means when developing with MAUI, we must keep in mind that we are essentially building a tablet-style application.

Another limitation is the lack of Linux support. Additionally, there is no shortcut to convert existing WinForms or WPF forms to MAUI forms. MAUI forms must be created from scratch. The application logic code, however, can in most cases be reused across WPF, WinForms, and MAUI.

The currently available DK for .NET version does not yet support the Layer Properties control, but we plan to add it soon.

Despite these limitations, MAUI is quite pleasant to work with. Once the Developer Kernel application is created, running it on Windows, iOS, Android, or macOS (via Catalyst) is simply a matter of recompilation.

Debugging iOS applcation in VS