The latest version of Uno Platform introduces MVUX architecture and C#-based markup support, aligning with the upcoming .NET 8 release.
As November ushers in updates for .NET, it’s not just the core framework that’s getting a refresh. The release of .NET 8, an even-numbered long-term support (LTS) version, is prompting a wave of updates across the .NET ecosystem. Third-party tools, frameworks, and platforms are gearing up to align with the new release, given that many enterprises will standardize on .NET 8 for the next few years. One notable update in this landscape is the launch of Uno Platform 5.0, a significant step forward in cross-platform development.
Uno Platform, which enables developers to build applications from a single codebase for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and the web through WebAssembly, is releasing its new version with a focus on enhancing developer productivity. The update aims to streamline the development process and offers an alternative to the widely-used Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) pattern with the introduction of the MVUX design pattern.
The evolution of Uno Platform reflects its roots in a development agency setting, where the team behind it understands the nuances of the design-development relationship. This background is crucial as it informs the platform’s ability to reduce the friction often experienced when design and code are developed at different rates. This practical experience has driven Uno to go beyond its initial control set, evolving into a comprehensive platform that facilitates the creation of cross-platform user interfaces for .NET applications. The platform’s integration with Visual Studio Code, including its fast Hot Reload feature, enhances the development experience by allowing real-time updates and streamlined coding.
Uno Platform 5.0 introduces the MVUX design pattern, which stands for Model-View-Update-Extended. Unlike MVVM, MVUX focuses on immutability, treating data as a continuous feed that updates the model and view dynamically. This approach is particularly beneficial for working with asynchronous and streamed data, making it well-suited for stateless cloud-native applications. Such applications often face challenges related to scalability and distributed system architectures, where maintaining persistent connections is not always feasible.
MVUX integrates seamlessly with the underlying .NET UI stack, providing a bindable proxy between the model and view. This allows it to leverage the data binding capabilities inherent in .NET, facilitating connections to XAML controls and other components. The adoption of MVUX in Uno Platform aims to provide a more modern and flexible approach to application design, catering to the evolving needs of developers working in diverse and complex environments.
With the stable release of Uno Platform 5.0, developers can look forward to a more productive and versatile tool for cross-platform development, one that aligns with the advancements in .NET 8 and supports a range of modern application architectures.