Userware has announced a significant update to its open-source UI framework, OpenSilver, with the release of version 3.2. This latest iteration expands the reach of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) beyond browsers to mobile platforms, thanks to the integration of .NET MAUI Hybrid.

OpenSilver, known for being a replacement for Microsoft Silverlight, allows developers to create rich internet applications that run in browsers without the need for a plugin. With OpenSilver 3.2, developers can now deploy WPF-compatible applications to a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and the web, all from a single code base.

The integration of .NET MAUI Hybrid enables OpenSilver to deliver a WPF-compatible UI through WebView, while compiling C# business logic to native code. This approach combines the consistency of web-based UI rendering with the power of the .NET runtime, according to Userware. The result is a seamless and efficient development experience, allowing developers to target multiple platforms with a single XAML/C# code base.

In addition to the .NET MAUI Hybrid integration, OpenSilver 3.2 features two sample applications that demonstrate the implementation of WPF-compatible apps across platforms and native platform API calls. The update also includes improved integration with the Visual Studio IDE and Visual Studio Code editor, with extensions available in the Visual Studio Marketplace and the VS Code Marketplace.

Other notable features in OpenSilver 3.2 include improved scrolling on touch devices, with implementations of panning support and scroll inertia. The release also introduces an event manager, layout mirroring, and support for mixed LeftToRight and RightToLeft flow direction. Furthermore, OpenSilver 3.2 adds support for multiple targets to Storyboards and support for animations without Storyboard on UIElements. ItemsControl can now adjust the scrolling speed, making scrolling smoother when displayed items are very large.

The release of OpenSilver 3.2 follows the December 2024 release of OpenSilver 3.1, which introduced an XAML designer for VS Code. This rapid pace of development and innovation demonstrates Userware's commitment to providing developers with a robust and versatile open-source UI framework.

The implications of OpenSilver 3.2 are significant, as it enables developers to create WPF-compatible applications that can run on a wide range of platforms, from mobile devices to desktop operating systems. This expanded reach can lead to increased adoption and innovation in the development of cross-platform applications, further blurring the lines between web and native development.

In conclusion, OpenSilver 3.2 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of open-source UI frameworks, offering developers a powerful and flexible solution for creating WPF-compatible applications that can run on multiple platforms. As the development landscape continues to shift towards cross-platform and hybrid approaches, OpenSilver is well-positioned to play a key role in shaping the future of application development.