Why choose .NET for desktop development?

Why choose .NET for desktop development?

Desktop applications are not the flashiest, but they’re the backbone and heart for most business operations. Data management, accounting, invoicing, data analytics and reporting, document management and filing – desktop apps can make the difference.

There’s where .NET makes its mark – a platform that’s packed with features to boost software development.

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Why use .NET for desktop applications?

In case you’re considering going with .NET development, it’s essential to understand what makes it powerful.

Windows compatibility

Windows compatibility is a fundamental feature for the .NET framework, meaning effortless API integration. This means your application can interact with the operating system’s core features – file system, event logs, and even native elements for creating user interfaces.

If you are working on a Windows-only application, .NET provides direct access to useful system-level features without adding extra complexity.

Broad tooling

Ample tooling is another distinctive characteristic of the .NET framework, tangibly changing routine processes. This includes code completion, debugging, testing, and more.

Visual Studio has got your back, no matter your needs.

Model-View-View-Model (MVVM) design pattern

Model-View-View-Model (MVVM) is a core feature of the .NET framework that improves code maintainability. It segregates the application’s user interface from both functional behavior and connection between them – the View from Model and View-Model.

This unique design pattern is perfect for responsive and modular desktop applications.

Side-by-side execution

By leveraging side-by-side execution, multiple versions of the .NET runtime can operate on the same machine. It facilitates the application’s overall stability by addressing potential conflicts between versions and downtime. 

Side-by-side execution is a true game-changer for maintaining legacy applications while building new products.

When use .NET for desktop applications?

.NET excels in many different scenarios:

  • Windows-only applications
  • Enterprise-level applications
  • Internal utilities and tools
  • .NET libraries’ dependent applications

Windows-only applications

When building Windows-exclusive applications, .NET is your knight – it’s tightly integrated with Windows APIs. That means you access Windows services, power management, COM interoperability, multimedia integration, and other useful features without jumping through hoops.

Why go for tools fitting every operating system if your main focus is performing on the Windows platform?

Enterprise-level applications

Moving further, enterprise-level applications are intricate – they require .NET-grade flexibility and scalability. What’s more, large-scale applications might require rigorous integration with existing, mission-critical systems.

That’s where the platform really delivers – its many enterprise-ready features just click into place.

Internal utilities and tools

For high-speed, functional applications (meaning utilities and tools), .NET development is really a no-brainer. The framework can simplify mundane processes – database connectivity, file handling, system integrations – and provide the features to create user interfaces in almost no time.

Going with .NET development, you focus on solving important problems rather than just wrestling with quirks that might come along.

.NET libraries’ dependent applications

It happens that sometimes you’re dependent on components that are deeply rooted in the .NET framework. And migrating those components would just complicate things.

And with .NET development, you can simply reuse those dependencies while modernizing your application.

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.NET desktop application development: key benefits

What is a desktop .NET application’s biggest edge?

High performance

By leveraging just-in-time compilation, you optimize code execution and harness outstanding performance. Real-time and low-latency operations, graphics and media processing, web services, memory management – .NET handles those smoothly.

Better security 

The platform already comes with built-in security features – data encryption, role-based access, and others. That means you mustn’t worry about data breaches, unauthorized access, and other common vulnerabilities – not with .NET development.

Greater reliability

The framework, Microsoft backed, is known for leveraging extensive testing, frequent updates, and patches. Exception handling, error management, garbage collection, memory management – with these built-in tools, .NET applications can handle unexpected problems.

You don’t just get rich functionality – you get an application that works day in and out.

More scalability

The framework’s key features – modular architecture, multi-threading support – make scaling more feasible. Whether designing Windows-only applications, enterprise-level products or simple, internal utilities and tools, .NET adapts on demand.

The platform can evolve along your business needs.

.NET desktop application development: the challenges

What are a desktop .NET application’s underlying pitfalls? 

Large runtime and dependencies

One trouble with desktop .NET applications is that the required .NET runtime is installed on the user’s machine. That might sensibly increase project size and complexity.

Backward compatibility

Another problem with desktop .NET applications is moving legacy programs from older to newer .NET versions. That might vividly increase project effort and resources – some elements may simply no longer be supported, thereby requiring extensive workarounds.

Vendor lock-in

.NET dependence on the Microsoft ecosystem can constrain the integration with other, non-Microsoft systems. If your project requires more diverse technology stacks, this might restrict flexibility.

Memory leaks

.NET’s famous garbage collection cannot entirely eliminate leaking, in particular in complex desktop systems. Poorly managed event handlers, undisposed objects, unmanaged resources, and other common problems might cause an increased memory usage.

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How we can help

Whether building from scratch, prudently optimizing current applications, or scaling to enable future growth – Abto Software is there to make it happen.

With expertise at every project stage – planning, design, coding, testing – your product is in talented hands. Simply delegate technical challenges and focus on achieving your goals.

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FAQ

Can desktop .NET applications be deployed in a non-Windows environment?

With modern .NET 6+ along with .NET Core, cross-platform deployment is feasible on a non-Windows platform. But, however, this approach works best for applications not too reliant on Windows-specific APIs.

What about .NET Core desktop applications?

.NET Core is not your friend in the following scenarios:

  • Windows API – .NET framework has more mature support for required Windows APIs
  • WinForms and WPF applications – .NET Core doesn’t support these initially

.NET Core is the best choice:

How does Microsoft’s backing benefit desktop .NET applications?

Microsoft’s backing comes with long-term support, regular updates, and patches to protect your applications. Another thing, the community and resources – forums, tooling, vast documentation – make troubleshooting and optimizing your application a breeze.

What support do desktop .NET applications typically require after deployment?

After launch, .NET applications typically require maintenance – bug fixes, occasional updates, and patching. That’s it – proactive monitoring and optimization are enough.

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