Userware Launches XAML for Blazor

PARIS, France, July 10, 2023 – Userware has announced the release of XAML for Blazor. XAML for Blazor is their latest addition to the .NET ecosystem. This extension brings the power of XAML to Blazor WebAssembly. That offers .NET developers an expanded choice in coding methods, and a pathway for integrating code from XAML-based applications (WPF, Silverlight, WinUI) into web applications.

Highlights

• Userware introduces “XAML for Blazor,” a new extension that brings the power of XAML to Blazor WebAssembly applications, providing .NET developers with greater choice and flexibility.
• Available as a NuGet package, XAML for Blazor allows seamless use of XAML files and Razor files side-by-side, rendering XAML as plain HTML in the same DOM.
• This extension enables developers to repurpose code from existing XAML-based applications such as WPF, Silverlight, and WinUI, and equips them with robust XAML controls and enterprise-oriented features
• Userware’s future plans for XAML for Blazor encompass extending support to Blazor Server-Side, enriching documentation and examples, and introducing a UI designer.

With XAML for Blazor developers can now use XAML files and Razor files in tandem

Userware’s CEO Giovanni Albani states,

Our belief in the power of .NET and the potential of Blazor underpins this integration. Our goal is to boost the adoption of Blazor, retaining developers within the .NET ecosystem. XAML for Blazor combines the familiarity of XAML with the versatility of Blazor, allowing developers to leverage their existing skills and incorporate the HTML/CSS/Razor approach when needed.

With XAML for Blazor, distributed as a NuGet package, developers can now use XAML files and Razor files in tandem. This enables creating UserControls with Code-behind and referencing them from Razor files.
Albani adds,

This integration unlocks thrilling possibilities for Blazor developers, particularly those more conversant with XAML than HTML/CSS, or those looking to transition away from Silverlight/WPF. Including XAML support in Blazor helps .NET reach more developers choosing XAML for their GUI creation.

Developers can use familiar XAML features such as data binding, templating, animations, and follow the MVVM pattern. Behind the scenes, the extension renders XAML as plain HTML in the same DOM as Razor. The shared memory and WASM thread among these technologies enable direct object sharing between components. For instance, it facilitates passing a Blazor collection to the XAML DataGrid control.

Darshin Vyas, Userware’s VP of Sales, expresses,

XAML for Blazor stands out by serving the developer community, addressing the increasing demand for a unified .NET development approach. The potential benefits and applications are significant.

The ability to use XAML in Blazor projects has been a popular request within the Blazor community. Now, developers can apply both Razor syntax and XAML to create Blazor components, simplifying the process of building high-quality, feature-rich web applications.

XAML for Blazor is powered by OpenSilver, an open-source reimplementation of Microsoft Silverlight on the modern web. This integration is not limited to XAML. Any OpenSilver feature can now be used in the Blazor WebAssembly projects. That includes RIA Services, WCF SOAP, PRISM, MEF, and enterprise-centric controls like DataGrid and DataForm.

Albani states,

This release marks a significant milestone for us, demonstrating the culmination of nearly a decade spent building the technology stack powering XAML for Blazor . Our work began in 2014 with the XAML to HTML engine when we launched CSHTML5. We later integrated this technology into OpenSilver. Today we are thrilled to bring this technology to Blazor, contributing further to the .NET ecosystem.

Developers can begin using XAML for Blazor by referencing the “XamlForBlazor” NuGet package in their Blazor Client-Side WebAssembly project and adding some XAML files. A Visual Studio extension (VSIX) is available to facilitate the creation of XAML User Controls in Blazor projects.

Albani concludes,

We are eagerly looking forward to the continuous enhancement of XAML for Blazor. Our roadmap includes extending support to Blazor Server applications, enriching the documentation and examples, further improving interoperability, and introducing a UI designer.

To cater to diverse needs, Userware is offering XAML for Blazor in various editions, from a Free Edition for exploratory use to Professional and Enterprise Editions for a wider range of commercial applications. Details on these editions are available on the XAML for Blazor website.

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For more information about XAML for Blazor, and to read the full blog announcement, please visit:
https://xaml-for-blazor.com/permalinks/announcement