+++
title = "WinUI"
description = "Create apps for Microsoft Windows."
date = 2024-10-14
[taxonomies]
tags = ["Windows", "Aparoksha"]
[extra]
featured = true
banner = "WinUI.png"
+++

Create modern apps for Microsoft Windows.

Start in the <a class="external" href="https://git.aparoksha.dev/aparoksha/winui-swift">repository</a> or browse the <a class="external" href="https://winui-swift.aparoksha.dev/documentation/winui_swift/">reference documentation</a>.

## The Backend

The WinUI backend is based on the <a class="external" href="https://github.com/thebrowsercompany/swift-winui">swift-winui bindings</a> for <a class="external" href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/winui/">WinUI</a>.

## The Development Environment

You need a Windows installation to develop WinUI apps.

<a class="external" href="https://code.visualstudio.com/">VS Code</a> is a great editor for working with WinUI for Swift.
Follow the <a class="external" href="https://www.swift.org/documentation/articles/getting-started-with-vscode-swift.html">instructions on the Swift website</a>.

{{ image(url="Environment.png", alt="VS Code and a simple demo app") }}

## The Design

Follow the <a class="external" href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/design/">official design guidelines</a> when developing apps.
The following screenshot shows the WinUI 3 Gallery, showcasing WinUI's features.

{{ image(url="App.png", alt="The WinUI Gallery app" transparent=true) }}

## Distribution

Create an installer via <a class="external" href="https://nsis.sourceforge.io/Download">NSIS</a> or another application.

## Aparoksha Interoperability
This backend is part of the Aparoksha package. If you use default Aparoksha elements, they will render correctly on Windows.
You can call platform-specific widgets for Windows as well.
