Revolutionizing App Development with .NET MAUI

On August 12th, Microsoft unveiled the much-anticipated seventh preview of .NET MAUI within .NET 10, bringing a wave of performance enhancements and refinements to application controls. This latest update zeroes in on impressive compile-time XAML processing and richer metadata support, ensuring you create stunning UIs with unprecedented safety and simplicity.

What is .NET MAUI?

.NET MAUI, or Multiplatform Application UI, is the next evolution of the Xamarin and Xamarin Forms frameworks. It seamlessly combines different target libraries and projects into a singular framework that caters to multiple devices at once. Currently, developers can create applications compatible with Android 5+, iOS 12.2+, macOS 12+ (using Mac Catalyst), Samsung Tizen, and Windows 10 (from version 1809) and Windows 11.

XAML Compilation: Fasten Your Seatbelts!

Gone are the days of runtime XAML interpretation! With this new preview, XAML markup gets compiled at build time, substantially reducing app startup latency. This shift not only surfaces XAML errors much earlier but also allows developers to scrutinize generated code, providing deeper insights into their applications. To activate build-time XAML compilation, developers need to incorporate the EnablePreviewFeatures property into their project settings.

Enhanced Image Handling with EXIF Metadata

The MediaPicker control now understands embedded EXIF data—including orientation and geolocation. This enhancement means that images can be chosen with automatic rotation and reliability, amid preserving essential metadata throughout the process, making it a perfect solution for apps that depend on such details.

Unlocking New Possibilities with Safe Area Features

MAUI's Safe Area feature just got smarter, helping developers control content positioning within device-specific screen spaces. Whether it’s adjusting for camera notches or rounded corners, you now have finer control with new layout logic. Simply use the SafeAreaEdges property to define how content behaves across various devices.

Toolbar Updates: Elevating User Navigation

The toolbars in .NET MAUI Preview 7 now support secondary items—truly elevating user navigation! Developers can easily integrate these items by configuring the ToolbarItem markup accordingly, allowing seamless access to secondary menu options.

New APIs and Improved Functionality

This preview adds a suite of new APIs, including greater control over picker states and search handler functionalities. However, some outdated APIs, like the Accelerator class, have been eliminated in favor of newer, more efficient options such as the TapGestureRecognizer.

Community Buzz: Positive Feedback!

The feedback from developers regarding Preview 7 has been overwhelmingly positive. One developer expressed excitement about the XAML source generator's potential but questioned its limited availability to MAUI. Others noted that this release serves as a critical consolidation phase, emphasizing quality improvements over flashy new features.