When developing iOS or Android apps, Xamarin is a sure platform to build high-performance and user-friendly mobile applications. This article is entirely focused on reviewing Xamarin and comparing it to other mobile development solutions in the market.
Xamarin
Xamarin is a tool used for cross-platform mobile application development which allows engineers to share up to 90% of code across major platforms. It is a new tool that has already amassed a community of over 1.4 million developers.
Main features of Xamarin
– C# language: Xamarin employs a single language, C#, to create applications for all mobile platforms.
– Based on the .NET framework: C# is one of the .NET framework languages, and it can be used for various .NET features.
– Compilation: Its two major products enjoy compilation whose automatic process handles memory allocation and platform interoperability by default.
– Xamarin.Forms: A separate design employed to design prototypes and mobile applications.
– Xamarin.Mac: Used to build apps for Mac OS
– Platform SDKs: Xamarin also provides access to SDKs.
– Support of Wearables: Xamarin is in support of applications being built for Apple and Android watches.
– Platform-specific code bindings: Xamarin avails you the opportunity to call previously existing platform codes in case you need to reuse some modules or use some platform-specific functions such as Google Analytics integration.
– Xamarin project structure
The Good of Using Xamarin for Development
- One technology stack that codes for all platforms
- It has a performance that is close to native
- Flawless experiences similar to that of native
- Possess full hardware support
- It has open-source technology with corporate support that is powerful
- It is simple to maintain
- A completely developed ecosystem
- Xamarin has a framework to create native UI layouts using its Xamarin.Forms.
- It can be used to build applications for Macs using Xamarin.Mac tool
- Xamarin. Form uses a XAML hot reload tool
- Xamarin has learning resources
- Xamarin also supports the use of TVs, IoT, and wearables
The Bad of using Xamarin for Development
- Delayed support for recent platform updates; This entirely depends on the developer team for Xamarin. It usually takes a while to implement changes using a third-party tool.
- Restricted access to Open-source Libraries; While native development utilizes open-source technologies, Xamarin uses the elements its platform provides.
- Cost implication for professional and enterprise use; Even though Xamarin is a free, open-source platform for individual developers, this platform could pose a high cost for enterprise needs.
- Xamarin talent pool and Community constraints: Xamarin community is smaller compared to native iOS or Android; hence, looking for a Xamarin developer could pose a bit of a challenge.
- Foundational knowledge of Native Languages; A basic knowledge of native technologies would help build mobile applications with a native feel using Xamarin iOS and Xamarin Android.
- Xamarin has a larger app size than the native ones when the type and complexity are evaluated/considered.
- Xamarin.Forms will soon become obsolete.