Mono for iOS/Android: Open or Closed? Paid or Free?
Mono is a popular open-source framework that enables developers to build cross-platform applications using the .NET framework. It has been used successfully for years on Windows, Linux, and macOS. But what about iOS and Android? Can you use Mono to develop apps for these platforms?
The State of Mono for iOS and Android
The short answer is: **it’s complicated**. While Mono itself is open source, its availability for iOS and Android is restricted by licensing and technical constraints. Here’s a breakdown:
MonoTouch (iOS)
- Closed Source: MonoTouch, the former framework for iOS development, was a commercial product by Xamarin, a company that later got acquired by Microsoft. It is no longer available.
- Paid: MonoTouch required a paid license for development and deployment.
Xamarin.Android (Android)
- Closed Source (Initially, Now Open Source): Xamarin.Android was initially a commercial product by Xamarin, requiring a paid license. However, after Microsoft’s acquisition of Xamarin, it became open source.
- Paid (Initially, Now Free): Xamarin.Android was previously a paid product but is now free for use with Visual Studio.
Alternatives to Mono for iOS and Android
Since MonoTouch is discontinued, and Xamarin.Android has become part of the .NET ecosystem, other alternatives are available for cross-platform development with .NET:
Xamarin.Forms
- Open Source: Xamarin.Forms is an open-source framework for building user interfaces that can be shared across iOS, Android, and other platforms.
- Free: It is free to use as part of Visual Studio and the .NET ecosystem.
.NET MAUI
- Open Source: .NET MAUI is the successor to Xamarin.Forms, providing a modern, unified approach for building native apps across platforms.
- Free: It is free to use as part of Visual Studio and the .NET ecosystem.
Comparison Table
| Framework | Platform | Open/Closed | Paid/Free | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MonoTouch | iOS | Closed | Paid | Discontinued |
| Xamarin.Android | Android | Open Source | Free | Part of .NET ecosystem |
| Xamarin.Forms | iOS, Android, Others | Open Source | Free | Active, part of .NET ecosystem |
| .NET MAUI | iOS, Android, Others | Open Source | Free | Active, replacing Xamarin.Forms |
Conclusion
While Mono has a rich history in cross-platform development, its direct use for iOS and Android has evolved. MonoTouch is discontinued, and Xamarin.Android is now part of the open-source .NET ecosystem. Xamarin.Forms and its successor, .NET MAUI, offer powerful tools for building native mobile applications with .NET across platforms.