Explore the New .NET MAUI Extension for VS Code: Debug, Build, and Deploy Cross‑Platform Apps

.NET MAUI Extension for Visual Studio Code

Microsoft announced a .NET MAUI extension for Visual Studio Code, with the first preview already available in the VS Code Marketplace. The extension brings the cross‑platform UI framework .NET MAUI—formerly Xamarin.Forms—into the lightweight VS Code environment.

What is .NET MAUI?

.NET MAUI (Multi‑platform App UI) allows developers to create native mobile and desktop applications for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows using a single shared codebase written in C# and XAML. It abstracts platform‑specific UI layers while still delivering native performance.

Key Features of the Extension

Debug .NET MAUI apps on any supported emulator, simulator, or physical device.

Easily switch debugging/deployment targets and build for all .NET MAUI platforms.

Full access to C# Development Kit features such as Solution Explorer, Test Explorer, code navigation, refactoring, and Roslyn‑based language services.

Lightweight syntax highlighting and code completion for XAML UI files.

Integration with the C# Development Kit

The extension works together with the C# Development Kit, which provides the necessary tools on Windows, macOS, and Linux for developing cross‑platform .NET mobile and desktop applications in VS Code.

Typical Workflow

Press F5 to launch debugging on an emulator, simulator, or device.

Switch between launch projects and target frameworks as needed.

Write cross‑platform C# and XAML directly within VS Code.

Highlights of .NET MAUI

Out‑of‑the‑box native UI : Each platform receives a tailored UI experience; for example, Windows uses WinUI 3 from the Windows App SDK.

Rich API surface : Access platform services such as accelerometer, app operations, file system, notifications, and more through simple, unified APIs.

AppActions.SetAsync(
    new AppAction("current_info", "Check Current Weather", icon: "current_info"),
    new AppAction("add_location", "Add a Location", icon: "add_location")
);

Blazor Integration

.NET MAUI includes Blazor support, allowing developers to reuse existing Blazor Web UI components inside native mobile and desktop applications, effectively bridging web and native development.

For a complete list of features and installation instructions, see the official announcement:

https://devblogs.microsoft.com/visualstudio/announcing-the-dotnet-maui-extension-for-visual-studio-code/