Opensilver
Last updated:
OpenSilver is a robust, open-source UI framework designed to enable .NET developers to build rich, enterprise-grade web applications using familiar C# and XAML. It serves as a modern successor and migration path for legacy Microsoft Silverlight applications, compiling existing code and assets to WebAssembly for native browser execution. By leveraging the comprehensive .NET ecosystem and Visual Studio integration, OpenSilver empowers developers to create high-performance, complex line-of-business (LOB) web applications without abandoning their established skill sets or rebuilding from scratch.
What It Does
OpenSilver translates C# and XAML code, including existing Silverlight projects, into WebAssembly, which executes directly in the browser. This process allows developers to reuse their .NET logic and UI definitions to create client-side web applications. It provides a full set of UI controls, data binding, and MVVM capabilities, effectively bringing the Silverlight development experience to the modern web.
Pricing
Pricing Plans
Access to the complete OpenSilver framework for development.
- Full framework access
- Community support
- Open-source code
Key Features
OpenSilver offers comprehensive compatibility with .NET Standard and .NET 5+, ensuring integration with the latest .NET technologies. Its core strength lies in its ability to compile C# and XAML to WebAssembly, providing a high-performance web application experience. The framework boasts extensive support for UI controls, data binding, and the MVVM pattern, essential for complex enterprise applications. Furthermore, its open-source nature fosters community collaboration and transparency, while seamless Visual Studio integration enhances developer productivity.
Target Audience
This tool is primarily for .NET developers, especially those working in enterprise environments with existing Silverlight applications needing modernization. It also targets developers looking to build new line-of-business web applications using C# and XAML, leveraging their established Microsoft ecosystem skills. Companies seeking to extend desktop or legacy applications to the web without extensive retraining will find OpenSilver highly valuable.
Value Proposition
OpenSilver uniquely bridges the gap between legacy Silverlight applications and modern web technologies, offering a cost-effective migration path that preserves significant investment in existing codebases and developer skills. It empowers .NET teams to build high-performance, complex web applications with WebAssembly, utilizing a familiar and robust development stack. This framework solves the challenge of modernizing enterprise applications while maintaining developer productivity and leveraging the full power of the .NET ecosystem.
Use Cases
OpenSilver excels in scenarios requiring the migration of complex, data-intensive Silverlight business applications to a web-based platform. It is also ideal for enterprises building new internal or external line-of-business applications where a rich UI and strong typing are paramount. Developers can leverage it to create cross-platform web applications that maintain a consistent look and feel with desktop .NET applications, or to extend existing .NET server-side logic with a powerful client-side web front-end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Opensilver is completely free to use. Available plans include: Community.
OpenSilver translates C# and XAML code, including existing Silverlight projects, into WebAssembly, which executes directly in the browser. This process allows developers to reuse their .NET logic and UI definitions to create client-side web applications. It provides a full set of UI controls, data binding, and MVVM capabilities, effectively bringing the Silverlight development experience to the modern web.
Opensilver is best suited for This tool is primarily for .NET developers, especially those working in enterprise environments with existing Silverlight applications needing modernization. It also targets developers looking to build new line-of-business web applications using C# and XAML, leveraging their established Microsoft ecosystem skills. Companies seeking to extend desktop or legacy applications to the web without extensive retraining will find OpenSilver highly valuable..
Get new AI tools weekly
Join readers discovering the best AI tools every week.