Please advise. I wish to create a multi-platform app; however, don't know which path to take. Since I volunteer for a non-profit org, a hard deadline does not apply Therefore, what do you recommend?

Question

Please advise what approach for a multi-platform app (WIndows, Mac OS, IOS, Android): Since I have used VS using a toolbox via .NET, what do you recommend (a) Use the current version of .NET MAUI (b) Wait for updated version of .NET MAUI that utilizes a toolbox (c) Use Xamarin (d) Something else. BTW, does anyone know if Microsoft plans to release an update to .NET MAUI, utilizing a toolbox?

thanks in advance for all the advice.

Answer 1

I assume you mean a Maui form designer. This is not in the current roadmap, nor very likely. see:

https://github.com/dotnet/maui/wiki/Roadmap

Cross platform apps are a lot of work no matter the toolkit used. Due to the different release cycle of the underlying O/S and changes in the native mobile sdks, The build chains are always in catch up mode.

A website / PWA may be a better choice for a non-profit.

Answer 2

People are saying MAUI isn't ready yet - that it's extremely buggy, not even half working and a pain to use. Uno Platform is a known option and more mature. Avalonia is another option - I personally don't like that it forces you into the whole MVVM patern. I would try Uno.

If you're ok leaving C# and Visual Studio, go with Flutter.

Not sure what the Toolbox that you are mentioning, is? Could you elaborate on that, I'd be curious.