At first glance, Xamarin, the cross-platform development framework introduced in 2011 and later acquired by Microsoft in 2016 as part of the Microsoft Visual Studio product lineup, may seem similar to other tools available in the market.
Like its counterparts, such as React Native, Ionic, and Flutter, Xamarin enables software developers to create and deploy native Android, iOS, and Windows applications using a unified codebase. This significantly reduces the time and cost needed for cross-platform app development. Furthermore, Xamarin leverages the native UI toolkit of each platform, ensuring that apps built with Xamarin offer the same look, feel, and performance as those developed using the platform’s native language.
However, there’s more to Xamarin than meets the eye. Let’s delve into the finer details to explore how Xamarin development can drive your business forward.
Xamarin is a platform used to create native Android, iOS, and Windows apps, which operates on the .NET framework—a free, open-source developer platform developed by Microsoft. .NET provides developers with a wide array of tools, programming languages, and libraries, allowing them to construct cross-platform web, mobile, and desktop applications.
Whether developers use C#, F#, or Visual Basic, their code functions natively on any compatible operating system. Essentially, Xamarin enhances the capabilities of .NET by introducing tools and libraries tailored for running apps on all major mobile operating systems.
Xamarin app development takes place on either a PC or Mac using Microsoft Visual Studio. The framework functions as an ‘abstraction layer,’ concealing the operational details of a subsystem. Within the Microsoft Visual Studio development environment, Xamarin operates in the background, facilitating communication between its shareable code (C# and XAML) and the underlying platform code.
To access the native APIs of each platform, there are two Xamarin commercial products: Xamarin.Android (utilizing Android’s Just in Time compilation for optimized executables) and Xamarin.iOS (employing Ahead of Time compilation to convert C# code into ARM assembly language).
With the expertise of a skilled Xamarin development company, one well-versed in each mobile platform, they can deliver an authentic native experience tailored to your specific needs.
Companies like Vanderlande, IPS, The American Cancer Society, and OLO utilize Xamarin outsourcing to bring their app concepts to fruition. Here are some key ways this platform can benefit your business:
Up to 80 to 90 percent of C# code can be shared across multiple platforms, cutting down on development expenses and allowing for quicker market entry and more economical post-launch support.
Xamarin taps into native UI elements and hardware APIs, ensuring apps look and operate seamlessly across platforms, providing an indistinguishable user experience.
Leveraging shared code accelerates development, giving businesses an edge over single-platform developers and expanding their customer base.
Updating Xamarin apps with the latest features, performance enhancements, and security patches is straightforward thanks to a unified codebase, ensuring long-term support at minimal cost.
With approximately 1.6 million Xamarin developers worldwide, a thriving community fosters knowledge sharing and problem-solving, empowering developers to deliver exceptional native app experiences.
You’ve conceived a fantastic idea for a cross-platform app. One poised to resonate with your target audience, drive leads and sales, and outpace competitors. However, the challenge lies in choosing the ideal Xamarin development company to entrust with your vision.
While the focus may be on shared code, developers well-versed in native platforms can seamlessly integrate native UI elements, leveraging platform-specific features to enhance user experience.
