MAUI Is Coming to Linux

Introduction to MAUI on Linux

I've been following the development of .NET Multi-platform App UI (.NET MAUI) with great interest, and the latest news has me excited: MAUI is coming to Linux. For those who may not be familiar, .NET MAUI is a cross-platform framework for building natively compiled applications for mobile and desktop using C# and XAML. The ability to run MAUI on Linux opens up a whole new world of possibilities for developers.

Why this matters

The introduction of MAUI on Linux is a significant step forward for cross-platform development. It allows developers to create applications that can run on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and now Linux. This means that developers can share code and skills across platforms, reducing development time and increasing productivity. With MAUI, developers can create applications that provide a native user experience on each platform, taking advantage of the unique features and capabilities of each operating system.

How to get started with MAUI on Linux

To get started with MAUI on Linux, you'll need to install the necessary dependencies and tools. The AvaloniaUI team has provided a preview of MAUI on Linux, which can be found on their blog. According to the blog post, you can install the preview using the following command:

dotnet new maui -o MyMauiApp
cd MyMauiApp
dotnet run -f linux

This will create a new MAUI project and run it on Linux.

Features and Benefits

Some of the key features and benefits of MAUI on Linux include:

• Cross-platform compatibility: Run your application on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
• Native user experience: Provide a native user experience on each platform, taking advantage of the unique features and capabilities of each operating system.
• Shared code: Share code and skills across platforms, reducing development time and increasing productivity.
• Open-source: .NET MAUI is an open-source framework, which means that developers can contribute to the project and help shape its future.

Verdict: Who is this for?

MAUI on Linux is perfect for developers who want to create cross-platform applications using C# and XAML. It's ideal for:

• Mobile and desktop developers: Create applications that can run on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
• Enterprise developers: Develop applications that can be used across the organization, regardless of the operating system or device.
• Open-source enthusiasts: Contribute to the .NET MAUI project and help shape its future.

What do you think about the introduction of MAUI on Linux? Will you be giving it a try, and what kind of applications do you plan to build with it?