.NET 9 Unveils Major Upgrades for WPF and WinForms at .NET Conf 2024

Microsoft is gearing up for a significant milestone in desktop application development with the impending release of .NET 9 during the annual .NET Conf in 2024. Scheduled to launch on November 11, this upgrade brings a host of enhancements to the widely used Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and Windows Forms (WinForms) frameworks. These updates are not merely cosmetic; they promise to redefine how developers create applications that are both functional and visually aligned with modern Windows aesthetics.

The Importance of WPF and WinForms​

WPF and WinForms are integral to the Windows application landscape. WPF, with its modern, vector-based UI capabilities, allows developers to build visually rich applications that leverage features like resolution independence and hardware acceleration. XAML, the framework's markup language, facilitates powerful data binding, making WPF suitable for complex applications that require sophisticated user interfaces.
On the other hand, WinForms, while an older framework, is loved for its simplicity. It empowers developers to create applications rapidly, using a drag-and-drop interface that integrates smoothly with native Windows controls. Despite its age, WinForms continues to be a staple in enterprise solutions due to its straightforward event-driven programming model.

Enhanced Aesthetics and Functionality in WPF​

One of the headline features of .NET 9 is the refreshed WPF, designed to help developers create applications that resonate visually with Windows 11’s modern design language.

Key Enhancements Include:​

• Native Dark and Light Mode Support: This essential update allows applications to automatically adapt to the user's system theme, ensuring a seamless experience.
• Fluent Design Theme: Microsoft has introduced a new Fluent theme that not only modernizes typography and layouts but also accommodates responsive design. Think of it as a set of guidelines that helps your app feel at home in the Windows ecosystem, complete with rounded corners and customizable accent colors.
• Improved Text Rendering: With the introduction of hyphen-based ligature support, WPF enhances text display, providing a more refined and readable interface, especially essential for applications centered around text content.

Revitalizing WinForms for Today’s Users​

For WinForms, the updates in .NET 9 are equally significant. While retaining its ease of use, it now incorporates features that bring it into the modern era.

Noteworthy Features Include:​

• Dark Mode Detection: WinForms applications can now automatically adjust their appearance based on user system settings, promoting an aesthetic harmony across applications.
• Control.InvokeAsync API: This new addition is a real game-changer for asynchronous programming in WinForms. This API makes it easier to implement non-blocking operations, fostering a better integration with APIs and enabling real-time data updates without overhauling existing code.

Addressing High-DPI Display Challenges​

A perennial challenge for Windows UI developers has been ensuring consistency across high-DPI displays. .NET 9 addresses this with a DPI-unaware design mode, which guarantees that design surfaces remain stable at a base of 96 DPI. This feature assists developers in maintaining uniform layouts regardless of the user's display setup—a necessity in today's multi-monitor environments.

Advances in Accessibility and Performance​

Microsoft is also taking strides towards more inclusive design. By replacing the older Microsoft Active Accessibility (MSAA) framework with the more robust UI Automation (UIA), WinForms can now offer better support for assistive technologies. This shift ensures compliance with global accessibility standards, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enabling applications to reach a broader audience.
From a performance standpoint, .NET 9 introduces optimizations that enhance rendering during window resizing and improve scrolling for data-intensive applications. Such refinements are crucial as applications increasingly handle large datasets and rely on real-time interactions.

Community Involvement and a Collaborative Future​

Since transitioning to open source with .NET Core 3.0, WinForms has observed a surge in community engagement. Contributions from developers have enriched the framework with features such as customizable task dialogs and improved drag-and-drop capabilities, paving the way for a collaborative evolution of the platform.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Windows Developers​

The updates in .NET 9 not only signal a commitment from Microsoft to modern desktop development but also set the stage for more cohesive and visually appealing Windows applications. Whether you're a seasoned developer comfortable with WinForms or a newcomer eager to dive into WPF, .NET 9 offers tools and enhancements that will undoubtedly ease the development process and improve user experiences.
As we anticipate the full rollout of .NET 9, developers can start preparing to harness these innovative features to create next-generation desktop applications. So, mark your calendars for .NET Conf 2024—Microsoft is not just raising the bar; they’re completely redefining it!

---

Source: WinBuzzer .NET 9 Brings Modern Touch to WPF and WinForms