Xamarin vs Xamarin Forms: What are the differences?

Introduction

In the world of cross-platform development, Xamarin and Xamarin Forms are popular frameworks that allow developers to create native applications for Android, iOS, and Windows using C# and .NET.

1. Code Sharing: Xamarin allows for code sharing between different platforms while still maintaining native performance by using C#, .NET, and native libraries. On the other hand, Xamarin.Forms enables more code sharing by providing a way to create a single user interface that can be rendered on multiple platforms. This is achieved through the use of XAML for defining the UI and a set of common controls that are mapped to native controls on each platform.

2. User Interface: Xamarin allows for platform-specific UI development, meaning developers can create unique user interfaces tailored for each platform using native APIs. In contrast, Xamarin.Forms provides UI abstraction and allows for the creation of a single UI that can be rendered on multiple platforms, sacrificing some platform-specific design capabilities for the sake of code reusability.

3. Customization and Control: Xamarin provides more customization and control over platform-specific features and optimizations, allowing developers to fine-tune their applications for each platform. Xamarin.Forms, while offering rapid UI development, may limit the ability to customize certain features or UI elements specific to each platform due to its abstracted nature.

4. Development Speed: Xamarin.Forms typically offers faster development speed due to its ability to create a single codebase for multiple platforms. This can be beneficial for projects with tight deadlines or limited resources. Xamarin, on the other hand, may require more time for platform-specific optimizations and customizations, but can result in more tailored and performant applications.

5. Learning Curve: Xamarin.Forms has a lower learning curve compared to Xamarin, as it abstracts away many platform-specific details and provides a more unified development experience. Developers familiar with XAML and MVVM patterns will find it easier to adapt to Xamarin.Forms. In contrast, Xamarin requires a deeper understanding of platform-specific APIs and development practices, which may pose a steeper learning curve for beginners.

6. Use Cases: Xamarin is ideal for projects that require a high degree of platform-specific customization, performance optimizations, and access to native APIs. It is well-suited for applications that demand a native look and feel on each platform. On the other hand, Xamarin.Forms is a better choice for projects focused on code sharing, rapid prototyping, and applications with simpler user interfaces that do not heavily rely on platform-specific design elements.

In Summary, the key differences between Xamarin and Xamarin.Forms lie in their approach to code sharing, user interface development, customization, development speed, learning curve, and use cases.