Windows 11 dev tools make creating apps easier than ever

Windows 11 Start Surfacepro Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Key

What you need to know

Microsoft has several developer tools to help create apps for Windows xi.
Improvements include a tool for making PWAs out of web apps and new features for native apps.
Project Reunion is now known as Windows App SDK, and it allows developers to integrate Windows eleven features into apps while still targetting Windows 10.

Microsoft'due south announcement of Windows 11 has created plenty to digest. With its announcements, the company showed a recommitment to developers and the Microsoft Shop. At that place's a new Microsoft Shop, support for Android apps, and new tools for developers that brand it easier to get apps into the store. A post from Microsoft titled "What Windows 11 Means for Developers" outlines the refined approach to getting apps onto Windows.

In that location are five fundamental areas that Microsoft worked on to ease and improve app development:

The new Microsoft Store;

Improvements in end-to-end Web development;

New features coming for native Windows apps;

The Fluent design system and WinUI; and

What's new for game developers.

The new Microsoft Store makes apps more discoverable, including a new Stories feature and a "pop-upwardly" store that makes it easier to install apps when people find them through the spider web. Support for Android apps through the Amazon Store likewise allows more types of apps to be found through the shop. Importantly, new revenue options allow developers to make more money if they have their own commerce platform.

I cover these more in-depth in my piece on why Windows eleven is a win for developers, so I'll focus more on the actual tools that are available for devs hither.

Microsoft has a new tool called PWABuilder3. With it, you tin build a progressive web app (PWA) out of a web app in minutes. The tool too helps you know if your PWA is set for the Microsoft Store.

Windows 11 includes support for WebView2 runtime, which makes it easier to build hybrid apps. With it, yous can employ the Microsoft Border (Chromium) platform to bring web experiences into native apps. WebView2 is known as an "evergreen" tool, meaning it receives automated updates. This ways that apps made utilizing the platform are easier to keep up to appointment in terms of security. There is a fixed version available if developers accept certain compatibility requirements.

Media Progressive Web App Shortcuts Integrated With Windows Source: Microsoft

Microsoft'southward Project Reunion is notwithstanding around every bit well, though information technology is now known equally Windows App SDK. Information technology makes it easier to integrate Windows eleven features into apps while likewise being able to target PCs running Windows 10. Windows App SDK 0.8 is available now, and version 1.0 will come up out later this year.

Developers that want to refresh their app pattern can use WinUI3. The tool will allow developers to implement UI elements such as rounded geometry, new icons, new typography, new animations and interactions, and a refreshed color palette.

Microsoft besides highlights that Reunion Windowing works with existing app code and lets y'all add together functionality to desktop apps, including light-dismiss behavior, pic-in-picture show fashion, and easier title bar customization.

Auto Hdr Windows Source: Microsoft

Moving over to game development, Microsoft is making its Game Development (GDK) publicly bachelor. It includes mutual tools, libraries, and documentation for building PC games. The visitor points out that thousands of developers already apply the GDK to make games for PCs.

The GDK as well adds the Game Stack collection of technologies, which help devs build, publish, and monetize games at scale.

Windows 11 besides supports several technologies previously only bachelor on consoles, including DirectStorage. We detail these options more in our piece on how Windows 11 is built for gamers.

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