We have worked on Android and iOS applications using the Xamarin Platform. In addition, we have used it to build Android and iOS applications.
Sr. Xamarin Developer at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
Allows us to create hybrid applications and has an easy deployment process
Pros and Cons
- "You can create one solution in C Sharp."
- "The file size is a bit big, so you have to make certain layers."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
When we create applications, we usually need applications for both platforms. For example, we have a vendor that provides services on both Android and iOS applications. So usually, if we want to create an application for Android and iOS, we have to create two applications, one in Android, like Java or Kotlin, and one in iOS, like Swift or Objective C. But, using the Xamarin Platform, we don't have to create two applications. Instead, we create one Xamarin form application. We write code in that solution and build it according to our specifications.
What is most valuable?
Xamarin Platform is a platform that uses C Sharp and allows you to create hybrid applications. The best part of this solution is that you can create one solution in C Sharp. It works for both Android and iOS.
What needs improvement?
They can improve their marketing to have more popularity as other solutions in the market. I haven't seen that many limitations in the Xamarin Platform. It's pretty UI-heavy, and some may say that Xamarin applications are a bit slow, but that is probably only if the developer hasn't followed the instructions.
Creating an application works like a native application, but the file size is a bit big, so you have to make certain layers. That is one drawback, but it is understandable because we use an external platform. When we build the project, the C Sharp code and the Xamarin Platform get converted into the native code in Android and iOS, so we have to have a middle layer bundled inside our application.
In the past, when we wanted to select a file from our mobile storage, we could not, and that feature was missing, so we had to implement it in native code and then use it in our code. But now they have created Xamarin Essential, which has all those features.
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Xamarin Platform
October 2024
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For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using this solution for six years and use version 4.7. Xamarin Platform is used for hybrid mobile applications and building app solutions for Android, iOS, and Windows.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is a scalable solution. Mostly the developers at our organization use this solution. Microsoft acquired Xamarin, so it is part of their Visual Studio and maintenance is done by Microsoft.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before using the Xamarin Platform, we used a hybrid technology solution, like Paladin, but it was difficult to use. If a company is using C Sharp or .NET to build their products, they'll want their current team to work on it so C Sharp developers can easily move into the Xamarin Platform to create the hybrid application. It depends on your client and requirements if you're going with Xamarin Platform or React Native.
How was the initial setup?
Our deployment process is simple. It happens in-house, and we don't use a third party. We create an application on Google Play Store, the same as deploying regular Android applications with one additional step of archiving it. So, from Visual Studio, you archive it, sign the application, and then upload the .AAB file on the Google Play store or iOS. You create an archive from here and can upload it using the file uploader Mac provides.
I do all the deployments myself and need 30 minutes to create a full application and deploy it for Android. For iOS, it takes about five minutes.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
It is a free platform.
What other advice do I have?
I rate this solution a nine out of ten. Most people choose React Native over the Xamarin Platform because it is more prevalent in the market. Xamarin Platform requires learning because it is an old language. It uses C Sharp, so not everyone can work with it. It is a bit difficult at first, but once you start working on it and get the hang of it, you can do everything in the Xamarin Platform.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Mobile Practice Director
Significantly reduces development and test costs
Pros and Cons
- "It has significantly reduced the skill barrier for development and testers."
- "The most important impact is the reduction in product lifecycle costs."
- "It significantly reduces development and test costs, and ensures that there is synergy between the platforms on product features and user experience."
- "The worst build issue concerns are the caching process MSBuild uses to reduce the build time."
What is our primary use case?
We use Xamarin almost exclusively for development of native mobile applications, even when single platform. The development hardware that we use are MacBook Pros with 16GB RAM and min 500GB SSDs. We run Windows 10 in a Boot Camp partition and virtualized using parallels. We have Xcode installed on the iOS partition and Visual Studio 2017 installed on both Windows and Mac partitions, along with Android SDK and NDK.
We use Xamarin.Android and Xamarin.iOS for apps with a complex UI, and use Xamarin.Forms where applicable.
How has it helped my organization?
It has significantly reduced the skill barrier for development and testers. Our company is mostly a Microsoft stack house, so most developers either use, or are familiar with, C# and .NET. Removing the need to become proficient in two other languages, makes adoption easier. Though it should be noted that developers still have to become familiar/proficient with the iOS and Android SDKs and the lifecycles of the native apps.
The ability to reuse significant amounts of code between platforms, have a single code repository, and a single development team for all platforms has massive advantages. It significantly reduces development and test costs, and ensures that there is synergy between the platforms on product features and user experience. However, the most important impact is the reduction in product lifecycle costs.
What is most valuable?
It allows the development of truly native applications in C# using the power of .NET framework and Visual Studio.
Xamarin allows the same development and build environment to be used for all platforms and code to be controlled in a single code repository. Shared logic, such as business logic and models, can be shared between the platforms, which significantly reduces development, test, and maintenance efforts. Typically, this leads to around 75-80% code reuse between the platforms. If Xamarin.Forms can be used, then this reuse typically rises to around 95%.
Xamarin also leverages the full power of the .NET Framework, including things like lambdas, LINQ, properties, bindings, commands, etc. Lastly, it uses the Visual Studio IDE, by far the most powerful and complete IDE available, making development and maintenance much easier.
The Xamarin SDK provides C# bindings to all native iOS and Android SDK APIs, as well as access to the .NET framework and builds to a native package. The Xamarin Mono run time runs a .NET CSR alongside the native run time with a bridge between them, and handles memory management and garbage collection.
App behavior is completely native and performance is near native (depending on the app architecture, but can be even faster than native if the business logic is computationally intensive). App size and memory footprint is slightly larger than native, due to the need for the inclusion of the .NET and Xamarin libraries. In a debug build, this can be significant. However, in release mode, the build process uses a rigorous linking process which removed most of the unused classes and methods from the managed DLLs. As a result, the average app size increases in a release build by only 5 to 6MB.
What needs improvement?
The most common issues involved are with the IDE and build process. The worst build issue concerns are the caching process MSBuild uses to reduce the build time. It is unnecessarily complex (internally) and will sometimes leave cached files which should have been removed, even when a full solution clean is performed. The work around involves closing the solution and deleting some project folders. Occasionally, IntelliSense loses sync with the code and provides visual error indicators when no error exists.
Xamarin.Forms does have some short comings, especially surrounding performance. Launch time on Android is a particular issue because Xamarin.Forms loads all the external assemblies during initialization. Support for lazy loading or merging of assembles would significantly reduce this, but Microsoft is still committed to a solution. Support of platform specific behavior could also still be improved. However, I believe strongly that Xamarin.Forms is the future of cross-platform native mobile development.
For how long have I used the solution?
More than five years.
What other advice do I have?
I have been using Xamarin for about seven years, since before it was Xamarin (it used to be MonoTouch and MonoDroid).
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Buyer's Guide
Xamarin Platform
October 2024
Learn what your peers think about Xamarin Platform. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2024.
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Software Developer at Politecnico di Milano
An open-source solution that is stable and scalable
Pros and Cons
- "The initial setup is very simple."
- "The solution always has room for improvement with price, integration, stability, and documentation."
What is our primary use case?
The primary use case of this solution is to reduce the development of applications. For example, when we develop an application for both Android and iOS, instead of writing two different applications using Java and Quest, we write everything in Xamarin Platform and that one application can run on Android and iOS.
What is most valuable?
The solution saves us time by containing all the development work in one application instead of two and it's well-documented. The solution is consolidated, meaning that it's been on the market for many years. Xamarin Platform is stable, it works, and it is very simple.
What needs improvement?
The solution always has room for improvement with price, integration, stability, and documentation.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution for one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is used to develop apps for mobile devices so there is no limit. We have 10 developers using the solution in our organization.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very simple.
What about the implementation team?
The deployment was completed in-house.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There is no license fee because the solution is open-source.
What other advice do I have?
I give the solution an eight out of ten.
I recommend the solution to others.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Xamarin Developer at Beesolver Technology Pvt Ltd
Provides a tool kit that crossbreeds from hybrid applications and is user-friendly
Pros and Cons
- "A single line of code works with android and iOS."
- "The application platform could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
I'm a developer and we are customers of Xamarin.
What is most valuable?
We are a 5-member team and Xamarin provides us with a tool kit that crossbreeds from hybrid applications. We write a single line of code that works both with android and iOS. It's a main feature of Xamarin and makes the product very user-friendly.
What needs improvement?
The application platform could be improved. We've had some compatibility issues on the android side with the different versions although they work fine with iOS. The product lacks some controls and enhancements that would provide additional features that we need.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
How are customer service and support?
The customer support is quite good, they've helped me several times.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is very straightforward. Implementation takes about an hour.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
This is an open-source solution and there are no costs on the Xamarin side. If you're using it with iOS then you need to purchase a membership which is about USD$100 per year.
What other advice do I have?
I recommend Xamarin Platform, it's a good solution and I rate it eight out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Xamarin forms and dot net developer at Winlancer Technologies
Single codebase app builder with free libraries.
Pros and Cons
- "Xamarin Platform's best features are its single codebase, the support from Microsoft, and the free libraries."
- "Xamarin Platform's performance base could be improved."
What is our primary use case?
I use Xamarin Platform to design application UIs, integrate APIs, and create special features.
What is most valuable?
Xamarin Platform's best features are its single codebase, the support from Microsoft, and the free libraries.
What needs improvement?
Xamarin Platform's performance base could be improved. In the next release, Xamarin Platform should include gradients and a looping feature in its path
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been working with Xamarin Platform for over two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Xamarin Platform is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Xamarin Platform is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
Microsoft's support is one of Xamarin Platform's best features.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Xamarin Platform is open-source, but there are fees for deployment, the API Store and Play Store, and using third-party libraries.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Xamarin Platform eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Independent Cross Platform App Development Consultant
A free and open source mobile app platform with a valuable cross-platform development feature
Pros and Cons
- "I think the best part about Xamarin is that you can create apps for both platforms using one source code. That's the most powerful feature. When you develop something for Android, it also builds for iVerse as well. The cross-platform aspect of Xamarin is unique. The ability to develop both apps with a single code base is something very unique."
- "It would be better if they offered more certifications. They offer a number of certifications for Azure but none for Xamarin. This is something that could be provided for developers to show off their competency. Technical support could be better."
What is our primary use case?
We are using Xamarin for a messaging app and customer-facing end-user experiences. It's been great so far, and thankfully all the upgrades that happened throughout the year have led us to develop good UI.
What is most valuable?
I think the best part about Xamarin is that you can create apps for both platforms using one source code. That's the most powerful feature. When you develop something for Android, it also builds for iVerse as well. The cross-platform aspect of Xamarin is unique. The ability to develop both apps with a single code base is something very unique.
What needs improvement?
It would be better if they offered more certifications. They offer a number of certifications for Azure but none for Xamarin. This is something that could be provided for developers to show off their competency. Technical support could be better.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Xamarin since 2016. I'm very fortunate to have started working with Xamarin before Microsoft acquired it. I have been using Xamarin ever since.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Xamarin is a well-supported stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Xamarin is very scalable. You can develop apps for hundreds or thousands of customers with the same code base. That is something very unique. I have a company that has a team of six Xamarin developers. They are all very experienced.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support could be better. We often get support from the community and only sometimes from the Xamarin team. They are not the best, but they are okay.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. It wasn't earlier, but now it's pretty easy. You can deploy this solution with just a few clicks. Like any other app, if it's an automated deployment, it will probably take an hour or two.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Xamarin is free. There is no license unless you go for some high-end enterprise features. Other than that, everything's free.
What other advice do I have?
I would tell potential users to look at the new updates coming in over the next three or four months, as those are critical. The best place for you to start with Xamarin is by following the contributors on YouTube. I know there are many paid courses, but they aren't good or worth the money. It's best to take a course directly provided by the content creator or contributor.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Xamarin an eight.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Sr.Xamarin Developer at SculptSoft
High availability, scales well, and good dashboard
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of the Xamarin Platform is that both the UI are the same in Android and iOS, in one project and Android and iOS, are applications for developing PCL projects. Additionally, the dashboard is good."
- "The Xamarin.Forms could improve."
What is our primary use case?
I am using the Xamarin Platform because I am using Visual Studio or Xamarin Studio.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of the Xamarin Platform is that both the UI are the same in Android and iOS, in one project and Android and iOS, are applications for developing PCL projects. Additionally, the dashboard is good.
What needs improvement?
The Xamarin.Forms could improve.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the Xamarin Platform for approximately two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Xamarin Platform is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of the Xamarin Platform is good.
We have four developers using this solution in my organization.
How are customer service and support?
I have not contacted the support from Xamarin Platform.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of the Xamarin Platform is easy and takes one day.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Xamarin Platform is a free open-source solution.
What other advice do I have?
This is a good platform.
I rate Xamarin Platform an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Well-integrated with Visual Studio so it will feel very familiar to you once you start
Pros and Cons
- "Their leadership is exceptional at both listening to the customer base and delivering innovative, best-in-class products."
- "Being able to use the .NET framework and platform have me creating applications better than anyone who develops on Windows."
- "Xamarin is well-integrated with Visual Studio so it will feel very familiar to you once you start."
- "There is limited support for UX widgets."
- "There are compatibility issues between versions of various Xamarin components."
What is our primary use case?
Xamarin helped us to develop a cross platform mobile app with less time and resources.
How has it helped my organization?
Managing code is useful using TFS, so a separate code managing software was not required. Authenticating user to app is easy using Azure authentication, which is supported in Xamarin
What is most valuable?
Provides a wide variety of technical work and some interesting problems to solve.
Being able to use the .NET framework and platform have me creating applications better than anyone who develops on Windows.
Being able to use Visual Studio means development gets to use the best IDE currently available.
Xamarin is well-integrated with Visual Studio so it will feel very familiar to you once you start.
What needs improvement?
There is limited support for UX widgets. Also, there are compatibility issues between versions of various Xamarin components.
For how long have I used the solution?
Less than one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The new go-to-market with Microsoft is different. It will require some adapting.
How is customer service and technical support?
They are genuine, smart, and action-oriented people across the board!
What was our ROI?
It saved a lot of time and resources needed to develop a cross platform mobile app.
What other advice do I have?
If you are already heavily invested in the .NET platform and C# development, Xamarin is the quickest way to make native iOS apps.
Their leadership is exceptional at both listening to the customer base and delivering innovative, best-in-class products. A company that takes great care of its people.
Xamarin has just been bought by Microsoft. What an endorsement!
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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