Xamarin.Forms

Xamarin.Forms v. Standard Xamarin Architecture

iOS C# UI

Android C# UI Windows C# UI

Shared App Logic Shared App Logic

Xamarin.Forms

Standard Xamarin.Forms

Xamarin.Forms: Build Native User Interfaces with Shared Code

Use a single API to generate native, platform-specific user interfaces

At runtime, each Xamarin.Forms page and its controls are mapped to platform-specific native UI elements

Xamarin.Forms Use Cases

• Start learning platform specifics – in .NET.

• Prototype

• Data-driven, task-oriented • multi-platform apps

• Recommended for:• Lists• Item selections• Change properties• Update backend

When Xamarin.Forms is not recommended

• Complex/customized interfaces - nuanced experiences

• Android Material Design, iOS transitions

• Extensive platform-specific capability • Slow-mo camera, fingerprint

scanner (iOS 6)

• Not Recommended for:• UI-intensive apps with complex

gestures