.NET MAUI is one of the most popular frameworks used in app development. It became even more common ever since Microsoft ended support for Xamarin and companies had no option but to migrate their operations. If you are new to .NET MAUI, it may feel seem like a lot to take in, particularly when it comes to the controls. So, in this article, we will explain what .NET MAUI controls are and how they work.
What is .NET MAUI?
Before we get deep into the controls, let’s make sure we understand what .NET MAUI is and what it is used for. Created my Microsoft, .NET MAUI (Multi-platform App User Interface) is a framework used for creating mobile apps and desktop programs for cross-platforms. It essentially allows developers to write and deploy the code all at once, across multiple different operational systems, like Android, Windows, iOS, and macOC.
As such, it removes a lot of the complexities related with cross-platform app development as well as eliminates the need for duplicate work (that is, developing native solutions for each platform). Or, as many like to call it, it aims to provide WORA (Write Once, Run Anywhere). The .NET MAUI framework is an evolution of the previous Xamarin.Forms, also owned by Microsoft. This new version offers many improvements, including easier UI controls and better performance.
MAUI controls
In .NET MAUI, the user interface is composed of various different objects, each corresponding to the native controls of the particular platform. These controls are essential for displaying data, as they help initiate actions, indicate activity, enable data selection, and display collections.
The three main types of MAUI controls are: pages, layouts, and views.
- Pages: Refer to the pages that are found in apps (typically more than one), which usually have at least one layout and occupy the whole screen. For example, this could be Content Page or Navigation Page.
- Layouts: The visual structures of those pages, which should follow a certain logic or hierarchy of elements. The main examples of layouts would be Grid, Bindable Layout, Vertical Flex Layout, or Stack Layout.
- Views: Lastly, views are related to the many different elements that are found in apps, like buttons, sliders, labels, images, maps, labels, and so on.
How .NET MAUI controls work
To make things as easy as possible, .NET MAUI has handlers which are used as an abstraction layer. These decouple the UI from the native platform, reducing the amount of platform-specific code needed and simplifying the overall development process. The controls are mapped via these handlers to their native counterparts. They, therefore, manage the behaviour and rendering of every control on each platform.
For instance, if a developer uses a Button control in their .NET MAUI app, the framework will then select the appropriate handler to create a corresponding button for Windows, iOS, macOS, and Android. This will ensure that the button looks and acts the exact same way regardless of the platform.
Customisation and styling
In .NET MAUI, developers are provided with extensive options for customising the way their controls appear and behave. For example, you can use styles and properties to customise the controls or create new interfaces, which are either more convenient or visually appealing to you.
Of course, you can also buy already pre-developed controls and design blocks from third-party vendors. These can be purchased and used immediately, which speeds up the development process. Here are some of the leading companies that offer MAUI controls:
- Grial Kit: Grial specialises in providing beautiful and versatile UI templates for .NET MAUI, making app development faster and easier for businesses. These designs are not only user-friendly, but also aesthetically pleasing. Not just that, Grial Kit is trusted by world-renowned organisations globally, including Siemens, pwc, AON, and Microsoft.
- Syncfusion: Offering a comprehensive selection of .NET MAUI controls, Syncfusion helps companies create both native mobile and desktop apps easier. They aim to prioritise customer experience, providing frequent updates and dedicated support for their services.
- Telerik: With a huge range of 60+ MAUI controls, Telerik UI is known for their focus on user engagement and higher productivity. They have developed high-performing controls that are not just enterprise-ready, but highly customisable to your unique needs too.
- DevExpress: From data grids and charts to tabs and collection views, DevExpress offers a large selection of .NET MAUI controls too. Some of their main offerings include report generation and PDF signing tools, suitable to all major platforms.
- Mescius: Formerly known as Grape City, Mescius deliver exception data visualisation and analysis tools for .NET MAUI. These solutions are highly-adaptive across different platforms and devices, allowing companies to utilise their data to its maximum capacity.
Conclusion
Controls are an integral part of the .NET MAUI framework, not only for ease of use, but also as a way to increase your efficiency. Although you can, indeed, customise your own controls, there are numerous third-party vendors that provide high-quality control collections ready-to-use.
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