In 2024, Microsoft announced the end of support for Xamarin. Due to this, many organisations were left with important decisions to make about their cross-platform mobile applications. However, this change did not come without a solution - Microsoft has declared .NET MAUI as the future for cross-platform development. Here’s what you need to know about this transition and migration from Xamarin to .NET MAUI.
What is .NET MAUI?
.NET MAUI stands for “.NET Multi-platform App User Interface”, which is the advanced version of Xamarin.Forms - a well-known toolkit used to build native mobile and desktop applications. This new and modern solution can be used by developers to create cross-platform applications for a wide range of operational systems, including iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. The key benefit? It can all be done using a single shared codebase.Therefore, with .NET MAUI, businesses will be able to develop their projects more efficiently, centralising the process within a single structure. This does not only reduce the complexity of the projects, but also reduce the maintenance costs long-term. Not just that, the framework also offers additional features, like built-in handlers for UI controls, which further optimises their performance.
Why do you need to migrate from Xamarin to .NET MAUI?
However, despite the additional features, companies may wonder if a migration from Xamarin to MAUI is completely necessary? After all, it will cost them a considerable amount of resources.The truth is, the migration to .NET MAUI isn’t merely optional - it is becoming increasingly necessary. With Microsoft ending support for Xamarin, applications running on the platform will face various different risks. This means that Microsoft will no longer provide security patches, technical updates, bug fixes or, for that matter, improvements in the framework. Besides decreases in performance and compatibility issues, this could also mean security loopholes.
However, it’s not all bad. There are many capabilities of .NET MAUI that organisations should be excited to migrate for. The single project structure, for instance, simplifies codebase management and updates significantly, reducing the time and effort required for their maintenance.
This solution can also improve such metrics as application responsiveness and startup times, which provides a much more pleasant user experience. Most importantly, .NET MAUI’s integration with the latest .NET features will ensure that all applications follow current security standards, so you do not have to worry about regulatory compliance and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Therefore, the migration from Xamarin to .NET MAUI is as much necessary as it is beneficial.
Key steps for successful migration
The migration process from Xamarin to .NET MAUI can be complex, particularly if you don’t have experience or the right resources. Here are the main steps towards successful migration:1. Preparation phase
Preparation is key for this project, and it involves updating all existing Xamarin documents to the latest version, in order to ensure compatibility during the migration process. This will include converting project files, updating namespaces and packages, and so on. Your development teams will have to conduct a thorough assessment of the current codebase, ensuring that everything is prepared for migration and any potential challenges are dealt with.2. Technical migration
Once everything is ready, the technical migration can begin. This stage requires a systematic approach, since there are a lot of elements to it, such as addressing breaking changes, like the layouts and application structures. Additionally, platform-specific codes will require special attention, as the implementation patterns may differ from Xamarin.Forms to .NET MAUI. Effective resource management will also be an important consideration. The list is long, so you will require an experienced team for this.3. Testing
Following the technical migration, testing is a crucial step. This is the time to validate functionality across all needed platforms, ensuring that the application behaves as expected and meets performance KPIs. This step should include both manual and automated testing, to increase your chances of catching any unexpected issues. Based on this, you can optimise everything for maximum performance.Using a migration partner
While migration to .NET MAUI can be handled internally, not every organisation holds the resources and knowledge needed for a successful transition. Professional partners are there to help you, ensuring a smooth and seamless migration. Here are examples of the leading migration partners:GrialKit - Specialising in migration tools and consulting services, GrialKit promise a no-friction experience. Their expertise in UI components and tailored solutions ensure a quick and high-quality process even with the most complex projects.
Innowise - While not their primary specialty, Innowise offer Xamarin to .NET MAUI migration services, helping organisations of all sizes navigate different scenarios successfully.
ManekTech - Based in the US, ManekTech provide cost-effective cross-platform development services, including consulting and migrations to .NET MAUI. One of their key specialties is AI-based app development.
Softweb Solutions - With a team of experts under their belt, Softweb Solutions help businesses improve their app development and performance through mirations to MAUI. They will assess, plan, and migrate your app smoothly.
