TL;DR: Transform your mobile app development: .NET MAUI delivers 40% faster launches, 25% smaller apps, and unified cross-platform coding. Skip the migration headaches with our proven step-by-step blueprint.
What if you could launch your mobile apps 40% faster, reduce their size by 25%, and simplify your development workflow, all with a single migration?
That’s exactly what developers achieve by moving from Xamarin to .NET MAUI. But here’s the catch: while Microsoft ended Xamarin support in May 2024, many teams are still stuck in the old ecosystem, missing out on these game-changing performance improvements.
In this guide, we’ll show you not just how to migrate, but how to do it strategically to maximize your performance gains while avoiding the common pitfalls that trip up 70% of migration projects.
Migration challenges and how to overcome them
Relearning the project structure
Xamarin: Developers are used to creating separate projects for each platform, such as Android and iOS, which often results in platform-specific folders and logic.
.NET MAUI: You can create cross-platform applications (Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS) with a single project and shared codebase.
Challenge: Teams used to platform-specific folders in Xamarin.Forms and logic must now adapt to .NET MAUI’s consolidated format.
Tip: Start with a new .NET MAUI template and migrate features gradually. This helps to clean up legacy code and adopt the .NET MAUI way of structuring apps.
Custom renderer to handler transition
Xamarin.Forms: Multiple projects require the creation of custom renderers for platform-specific UI.
.NET MAUI: Introduces handlers for better performance, flexibility and reducing time consumption.
Challenge: Need to reimplement the custom renderers using the new handler architecture in .NET MAUI.
Tip: Identify frequently customized controls and prioritize converting them to handlers in .NET MAUI.
Third-party library gaps
Challenge: Not all Xamarin.Forms libraries have migrated to .NET MAUI.
Tip: Check your NuGet dependencies early. If replacements aren’t available, consider writing custom solutions or temporarily isolating such features.
Platform-specific code rework
Challenge: Code using Xamarin’s platform APIs, like DependencyService, might not port directly.
Tip: Leverage #if directives carefully for any unavoidable platform code.
Performance wins that make it worthwhile
Despite the hurdles, moving to .NET MAUI delivers significant runtime and developer productivity gains:
Faster app launch time
.NET MAUI supports Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation, resulting in significantly faster cold and warm starts than Xamarin.Forms.
Smaller app size
Thanks to .NET MAUI optimization and trimming features, .NET MAUI apps often ship with a reduced footprint across all platforms.
Better memory management
.NET MAUI apps show improved memory usage, leading to smoother performance on lower-end devices.
Smoother UI interactions
The new handler architecture removes renderer overhead and improves responsiveness in touch, animation, and transitions.
Best practices for a successful migration
- Start clean: Don’t try to “upgrade in place.” Create a new .NET MAUI project and migrate components selectively.
- Test constantly: Use physical devices across platforms and form factors to catch behavioral inconsistencies early.
- Refactor incrementally: Begin with core logic, then bring views and platform features.
- Engage with the .NET MAUI community: Microsoft’s GitHub, Discord, and .NET MAUI documentation are active and resourceful.
FAQs
Q: Why migrate from Xamarin to .NET MAUI?
A:.NET MAUI offers faster app launches, smaller sizes, better memory management, and a unified codebase for cross-platform development.
Q: What are the main challenges when migrating from Xamarin to .NET MAUI?
A: Developers often face issues with project structure, custom renderers, and third-party library compatibility.
Q: How can I ensure a smooth migration to .NET MAUI?
A: Start with a clean project, test frequently, and engage with the .NET MAUI community for support.
Q: What performance benefits does .NET MAUI offer over Xamarin?
A:.NET MAUI provides faster app launch times, smaller app sizes, better memory management, and smoother UI interactions.
Q: What platforms does .NET MAUI support?
A:.NET MAUI supports Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows from a single codebase.
Q: Is .NET MAUI production-ready for enterprise applications?
A: Yes, .NET MAUI is supported by Microsoft and is suitable for building robust, enterprise-grade applications.
Q: Can I reuse my existing Xamarin.Forms code in .NET MAUI?
A: Yes, especially business logic and view models. However, UI and platform-specific code may need adjustments.
Q: How does .NET MAUI handle platform-specific functionality?
A: It uses a unified API supporting platform-specific code via partial classes and dependency injection.
Q: How is the community and support ecosystem for .NET MAUI?
A:.NET MAUI is open source, actively updated on GitHub, and supported by Microsoft through Microsoft Learn, Q&A, and official documentation.
Conclusion
Ready to Transform Your Mobile Development Strategy? The migration from Xamarin to .NET MAUI isn’t just about staying current; it’s about giving your apps a competitive edge with faster performance, smaller footprints, and streamlined development. Don’t let this opportunity slip by. While your competitors struggle with outdated Xamarin apps, you can build the next generation of cross-platform applications.
Ready to build high-performance apps with ease? Explore Syncfusion’s .NET MAUI components, built to help developers like you deliver smooth, fast, and modern cross-platform experiences.
Related Blogs
- 5 Advantages of .NET MAUI Over Xamarin
- Xamarin Versus .NET MAUI
- How to Reuse Xamarin.Forms Custom Renderers in .NET MAUI
- Goodbye Xamarin.Forms, Hello MAUI!
This article was originally published at Syncfusion.com.
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