Userware has unveiled a significant update to its OpenSilver open-source UI framework, bringing the power of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) to mobile platforms. OpenSilver, which was originally designed as a modern alternative to the outdated Microsoft Silverlight, allows developers to create rich internet applications (RIAs) that run in modern web browsers without the need for plugins. With the release of OpenSilver 3.2, the framework now extends its reach beyond browsers, enabling developers to deploy applications on iOS and Android platforms alongside traditional desktop environments like Windows, Mac, and Linux.
The key innovation in OpenSilver 3.2 is its integration with .NET MAUI Hybrid, a technology that allows WPF-compatible applications to run across multiple platforms using a single code base. This approach combines the consistency of web-based UI rendering with the power and flexibility of the .NET runtime, making it easier for developers to create cross-platform applications. OpenSilver 3.2 ensures that developers can maintain a single XAML/C# code base while deploying their apps to a wide array of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Along with the mobile expansion, OpenSilver 3.2 includes two sample applications to showcase how the framework works across different platforms and integrates with native platform APIs. These examples provide valuable guidance to developers looking to implement OpenSilver in real-world applications. The update also strengthens its integration with popular development environments like Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, offering extensions for both tools through the Visual Studio Marketplace and VS Code Marketplace, making it easier for developers to get started with the framework.
OpenSilver 3.2 also introduces several improvements aimed at enhancing the user experience. It now includes better support for scrolling on touch devices, such as panning support and scroll inertia, which improves the responsiveness of apps on mobile and tablet devices. Additionally, new features like event management, layout mirroring for right-to-left languages, and support for mixed flow directions enhance the flexibility of the framework for a wider range of applications. The update also allows for smoother scrolling of large datasets in ItemsControl, improving the performance and fluidity of apps built using OpenSilver. These updates position OpenSilver as a robust and versatile solution for developers looking to create cross-platform applications using familiar .NET technologies.