Qt vs Xamarin: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Qt and Xamarin

Qt and Xamarin are both cross-platform development frameworks that allow developers to create applications that can run on multiple operating systems. However, there are several key differences between the two:

1. Framework: Qt is a C++ framework, while Xamarin is a .NET framework. Qt provides a comprehensive set of libraries and tools for building applications, including Qt Widgets for building desktop applications and Qt Quick for creating modern user interfaces. On the other hand, Xamarin allows developers to write applications in C# and use the .NET framework, providing access to a wide range of libraries and features.

2. Platform Support: Qt supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Xamarin, on the other hand, primarily focuses on mobile app development and provides support for iOS and Android platforms. While Xamarin allows developers to share code between iOS and Android apps, Qt offers a more extensive platform coverage.

3. Native Look and Feel: Qt allows developers to create applications that have a consistent and native look and feel on different platforms. It provides a set of platform-specific styles and themes that match the appearance of the underlying operating system. Xamarin also offers native UI components for iOS and Android, but achieving a completely native look and feel may require more effort compared to Qt.

4. Language and IDE Support: Qt primarily uses C++ for application development and offers the Qt Creator IDE. Xamarin, on the other hand, allows developers to write applications in C# and supports popular IDEs like Microsoft Visual Studio and Visual Studio for Mac. Xamarin also provides extensive integration with the Visual Studio ecosystem.

5. Community and Ecosystem: Qt has a large and active community of developers and offers extensive documentation, tutorials, and support resources. It also has a marketplace for accessing additional libraries and add-ons. Xamarin, being a part of the Microsoft ecosystem, benefits from a large community and has access to a wide range of resources and support.

6. Licensing: Qt is available under both open-source and commercial licenses. The open-source version, known as Qt Community Edition, allows developers to build applications for free but is subject to certain licensing restrictions. Xamarin, on the other hand, has a free and open-source version called Xamarin Community Edition, but also offers commercial licensing options for additional features and support.

In summary, Qt is a C++ framework with extensive platform support, offering a native look and feel and strong community backing. Xamarin, powered by .NET and C#, focuses primarily on mobile app development with support for iOS and Android platforms and provides strong integration with the Microsoft ecosystem.