Top Xamarin Development Tools and IDEs

Introduction

When developing cross-platform apps using Xamarin, choosing the right tools is essential. These tools help improve performance, keep code quality, and provide a smoother development process. Let’s consider some top Xamarin development tools and IDEs, with the key details that any Xamarin development company would consider.

Top Xamarin Development Tools and IDEs

1. NuGet Package Manager

NuGet simplifies package management, making it easier to add third-party libraries and manage dependencies in Xamarin projects.

• Developed by: Microsoft

• Release Date: October 2010

• Platform: Windows, macOS (integrated into Visual Studio)

• Written in: C#, .NET

• Pricing: Free (included with Visual Studio).

2. ReSharper

ReSharper is a productivity tool that upgrades coding proficiency by offering advanced code analysis, refactoring options, and rapid fixes.

• Developed by: JetBrains

• Release Date: 2004

• Platform: Windows (integrated with Visual Studio)

• Written in: C#

• Pricing: Starts at $129/year for individual licenses.

3. App Center

App Center handles testing, builds, and deployments, making it a complete solution for managing the mobile development lifecycle.

• Developed by: Microsoft

• Release Date: November 2017

• Platform: Windows, macOS (cloud-based)

• Written in: C#, .NET, Node.js

• Pricing: Free level available; paid plans start at $40/month per app.

4. Xamarin Test Cloud (now part of App Center)

This cloud-based testing service tests apps on real devices, helping us guarantee consistent performance across diverse environments.

• Developed by: Xamarin, later acquired by Microsoft

• Release Date: September 2014

• Platform: Cloud-based, accessible from Windows and macOS

• Written in: C#, .NET, JavaScript

• Pricing: Starts at $40/month per app in App Center.

5. Syncfusion Essential Studio

Syncfusion provides a broad array of UI components, from data grids to charts, that are important for building feature-rich Xamarin apps.

• Developed by: Syncfusion

• Release Date: 2001 (Xamarin support added later)

• Platform: Xamarin, .NET, JavaScript, Angular, React, Blazor, and more

• Written in: C#

• Pricing: Free for community licenses. Paid plans start at $995/year for a single developer.

6. XAML Hot Reload

XAML Hot Reload allows you to see UI changes in real-time as your code, and speed up the design and testing process.

• Developed by: Microsoft

• Release Date: November 2019

• Platform: Windows, macOS (with Visual Studio)

• Written in: C#, XAML

• Pricing: Free as part of Visual Studio.

7. Xamarin.Forms

Xamarin.Forms build UIs with shared code for many platforms, making it a popular choice for projects that require consistent interfaces across devices.

• Developed by: Xamarin (now part of Microsoft)

• Release Date: May 2014

• Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS

• Written in: C#, XAML

• Pricing: Included with Visual Studio.

8. JetBrains Rider

Rider is a versatile cross-platform IDE known for its speed and rich features and provides a solid alternative for those who prefer JetBrains’ tools.

• Developed by: JetBrains

• Release Date: December 2017

• Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

• Written in: Java, Kotlin, C#, .NET

• Pricing: Starts at $139/year for individual licenses, with discounts for startups and educational use.

9. Visual Studio for Mac

Visual Studio for Mac provides functionality similar to its Windows counterpart and is customized for MacOS users. It’s an outstanding option for Xamarin developers working in Apple’s ecosystem.

• Developed by: Microsoft

• Release Date: May 2017 (based on Xamarin Studio)

• Platform: macOS

• Written in: C++, C#, .NET

• Pricing: Same as Visual Studio on Windows, free and paid versions are available.

10. Visual Studio

Visual Studio is the preferred IDE for Xamarin development, providing everything required to code, test, and organize apps. It’s filled with features like IntelliSense and integrated debugging, making it essential for any Xamarin development company.

• Developed by: Microsoft

• Release Date: February 1997 (with Xamarin integration since 2016)

• Platform: Windows, macOS

• Written in: C++, C#, .NET

• Pricing: Free for Visual Studio Community edition. Paid plans start at $45/month for the Professional edition and $250/month for the Enterprise edition.

Conclusion

For any Xamarin development company, these tools are important in delivering high-quality cross-platform apps. From coding and UI design to testing and deployment, the right tools make sure you meet our development goals successfully while maintaining code quality and performance.