OpenSilver – Modern .NET Web Apps

Description

OpenSilver provides a framework for developing modern web applications using familiar .NET technologies like C# and XAML. It bridges the gap for developers looking to modernize legacy WPF and Silverlight applications, enabling them to run on the web across various platforms and browsers, including Windows, Android, Mac, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. The core value proposition is 'Build Once, Run Everywhere,' significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional rewrites.

With its latest release, OpenSilver 3.3, the platform introduces powerful new capabilities. It allows Blazor Components to be integrated directly into XAML applications, enhancing flexibility and enabling the use of modern web technologies within a .NET context. Furthermore, it offers MAUI Hybrid integration, providing another avenue for cross-platform development. An AI-enhanced drag-and-drop UI designer streamlines the development process, making it more intuitive and efficient.

OpenSilver emphasizes high code reusability, allowing developers to leverage up to 95%+ of their existing Silverlight or WPF codebase. This significantly accelerates the migration process and minimizes the need for extensive redevelopment. The platform aims for identical UI screen-to-screen parity, ensuring a seamless transition for users and reducing the need for retraining or updating documentation. Developers can code in C#, VB, or F#, and utilize enterprise-grade controls and libraries, including support for RIA Services and LightSwitch.

For organizations with existing WPF or Silverlight applications, OpenSilver offers two migration paths. The 'Do-It-Yourself' option provides an open-source SDK (MIT License) and a live online IDE at XAML.io for zero-setup experimentation. Alternatively, an 'All-inclusive End-to-End Migration' service is available, managed by OpenSilver's expert team, promising fast, cost-effective migrations that preserve look and functionality. This service is backed by extensive experience migrating WPF and Silverlight apps since 2014.

The platform is designed to move applications away from Windows-only limitations and compatibility modes, allowing them to run on any browser and any device. This broad compatibility ensures wider reach and accessibility for web applications. OpenSilver also offers compatibility with other modern tech stacks like React and Angular, allowing for a mixed-technology approach if desired, without the need for a complete rewrite.

OpenSilver's Core Features

• Build .NET web apps with C# and XAML

• Migrate legacy WPF/Silverlight applications

• Cross-platform deployment (Windows, Android, Mac, Web Browsers)

• Blazor Component integration into XAML

• MAUI Hybrid integration

• AI-enhanced drag-and-drop UI designer

• High code reusability (95%+)

• Identical UI screen-to-screen parity

• Support for C#, VB, and F#

• Enterprise-grade controls and libraries

• RIA Services and LightSwitch support

• Open-source SDK (MIT License)

• Live online IDE at XAML.io

• End-to-end migration services

How to use OpenSilver?

1. 1

   Explore: Browse the gallery or try OpenSilver in the live IDE at XAML.io.

2. 2

   Download: Get the SDK for DIY migration or use the online IDE.

3. 3

   Migrate: Leverage existing WPF/Silverlight code with high reusability.

4. 4

   Develop: Build new modern .NET web apps using C# and XAML.

5. 5

   Deploy: Run your applications on any browser and any device.

6. 6

   Integrate: Utilize Blazor Components and MAUI Hybrid for enhanced functionality.

7. 7

   Optimize: Benefit from AI-enhanced UI design and expert support.

OpenSilver's Use Cases

• Legacy App Modernization
• Cross-Platform Development
• Web Application Development
• Blazor Integration
• UI Design
• Code Reusability
• Enterprise Solutions
• Cost-Effective Migration

FAQ from OpenSilver

• What is OpenSilver?

  OpenSilver is a framework that allows developers to build modern .NET web applications using C# and XAML, and to migrate legacy WPF and Silverlight applications to the web.

• Can I migrate my existing Silverlight or WPF applications with OpenSilver?

  Yes, OpenSilver is specifically designed to help migrate legacy Silverlight and WPF applications to the modern web, offering high code reusability and aiming for identical UI parity.

• What platforms does OpenSilver support?

  OpenSilver applications can run on Windows, Android, Mac, and across major web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, enabling a 'Build Once, Run Everywhere' approach.

• What are the benefits of using OpenSilver for migration?

  Benefits include saving up to 3-6X on time and costs compared to a rewrite, achieving 95%+ code reusability, and ensuring a seamless transition with identical UI.

• Does OpenSilver support Blazor Components?

  Yes, OpenSilver 3.3 enables Blazor Components to run directly into XAML applications, offering enhanced flexibility and integration possibilities.

• Is there an AI component in OpenSilver?

  OpenSilver features an AI-enhanced drag-and-drop UI designer to streamline the development process.

• Can I try OpenSilver before downloading the SDK?

  Yes, you can try OpenSilver with zero setup in their live IDE at XAML.io.

• What programming languages can I use with OpenSilver?

  You can code in C#, VB, or F# with OpenSilver.

• What kind of support does OpenSilver offer for migration?

  OpenSilver offers both DIY support with an open-source SDK and online IDE, as well as all-inclusive end-to-end migration services by their expert team.

• Does OpenSilver offer enterprise-grade controls?

  Yes, OpenSilver allows you to leverage enterprise-grade controls and libraries, including RIA Services and LightSwitch.

• How does OpenSilver compare to a complete rewrite?

  OpenSilver allows you to transition away from older technologies and save up to 3-6X on time and costs compared to a complete rewrite.

• Can OpenSilver applications run on mobile devices?

  Yes, OpenSilver applications can run on devices like Android and are compatible with various platforms and browsers.