- UWP allows you to create apps that work throughout the ecosystem Windows with a single code base.
- It stands out for its security, interface adaptability, and ease of distribution through the Microsoft Store.
- It supports multiple languages and technologies, integrating APIs and SDKs according to the type of device.
The Universal Windows Platform, known as UWP, has revolutionized the way developers build apps for the entire Microsoft ecosystem. If you're a programmer or just a curious user, you've probably come across the concept of UWP and might be wondering: What is it, what is it for, and how can it help you?
In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about UWP, from its history to its technical features, benefits, requirements, and how to get started developing universal apps. You will see how this platform allows you to create apps that can run on computers, Xbox, mobile devices, HoloLens, and more, all within a single codebase, marking a significant shift in how we think about developing for Windows.
What exactly is UWP?
UWP is an app development platform designed by Microsoft to unify and simplify app creation across all devices running Windows 10 and later. Its main strength lies in a common set of shared APIs and technologies, that allow you to design an application that works and looks good on a desktop PC, a tablet, an Xbox, a mobile phone or even devices IoT and mixed reality.
The UWP is based on the concept of "universal apps" that, when developed and packaged according to platform specifications, can be easily distributed and installed via the Microsoft Store or other official methods. This facilitates maintenance, updates, and, above all, the scalability and security of the apps.
How UWP fits into the history and evolution of development at Microsoft
For years, developing for Windows meant dealing with different frameworks and environments: Win32, .NET, Windows Forms, WPF, COM, among others. The arrival of UWP represented an attempt by Microsoft to unify this ecosystem, allowing the creation of a single app that covered the entire range of compatible devices.
UWP is based on Windows Runtime (WinRT), a set of modern APIs that evolved from the classic COM model, but are geared toward compatibility with multiple programming languages. programming such as C#, Visual Basic, C++, and even JavaScript. Thanks to what's known as "language mapping," developers can choose the technology they feel most comfortable with to write their application logic.
Something important to keep in mind is that UWP isn't intended to completely replace older Microsoft technologies, but rather to coexist and integrate with them. In fact, many UWP apps can use Win32 APIs, .NET libraries, and take advantage of advanced features available in the classic Windows ecosystem. Today, UWP is the primary choice for those who want to reach every corner of the Windows world with a single app.
Advantages and key features of a UWP app
Why should you choose UWP if you're planning to develop a Windows app? These are its strengths:
- advanced security: Each application explicitly declares the permissions it requires (access to camera, files, location, etc.), and it's the user who decides whether or not to authorize it. This minimizes privacy risks.
- Common API surface: UWP provides a set of shared interfaces across all devices running Windows 10 and 11. If your app uses only these APIs, it will work equally well on any device, from PCs to Xbox consoles to IoT devices.
- Interface adaptability: One of the great advantages of UWP is that it allows you to create interfaces that automatically adjust to the screen size, resolution and input method, whether it's a mouse, keyboard, touchpad, stylus or gamepad.
- Centralized or selective distribution: You can publish your app to the Microsoft Store for all Windows devices, or limit its availability to a specific family, such as tablets or Xbox. Everything is managed from a single control panel.
- Residue-free uninstallation: UWP apps can be easily installed and removed, leaving no residue on the system or risking corrupting important files.
- Personalization and visual appeal: You can integrate dynamic icons, push notifications, user activities, and take advantage of Fluent Design, Microsoft's modern design system.
- Wide language compatibility: UWP allows you to program in C#, C++, Visual Basic or JavaScript and use XAML, WinUI, HTML or DirectX for the interface.
Plus, with extension SDKs, you can access advanced features for each device type, from mixed reality sensors to Xbox-specific features or IoT devices.
Shared API and extension via SDKs
The main idea of UWP is to allow most of your code to work across all Windows devices thanks to a common API surface. If your app needs something special—like controlling IoT lights or taking advantage of the vibration feedback on an Xbox controller—you can add extension SDKs that provide access to those specialized APIs.
This way, you can create truly universal apps, or apps that only activate certain features if they detect they're running on a compatible device. This flexibility is key to getting the most out of the Windows ecosystem.
Responsive design and input management
Adaptability is one of the fundamental pillars of UWP. Apps can automatically adapt their layout to different screen sizes and resolutions, and handle different input methods (keyboard, mouse, touch, stylus, gamepad, etc.). Universal layout controls and panels help optimize the interface for any situation. For example, buttons and sliders adjust to pixel density or screen size, and panels rearrange content to maximize available space.
This also means you can design device-specific user experiences. A photo app can take advantage of the full screen on a computer, while on a mobile device it can prioritize one-handed use. All this without duplicating code or business logic.
Installing, uninstalling, and distributing UWP apps
UWP apps are distributed in AppX format, a container that ensures a reliable, secure, and clean installation. In addition to the Microsoft Store, there are methods for installing apps directly in enterprise or controlled environments (sideloading). Updates can also be automatic, ensuring that all users always have the latest version.
When you uninstall a UWP app, the procedure completely removes the package without leaving orphaned files or dangerously modifying the registry. For these reasons, UWP is especially interesting for companies looking for security and ease of maintenance.
Monetization and Analytics in UWP
UWP offers several ways to monetize your apps:
- Direct sale: You can set a fixed price for your app in the Microsoft Store.
- Free trials: Make it easier for users to try before they buy, increasing conversion.
- In-app purchases: Integrate paid features to unlock premium content or add upgrades.
- Promotions and dynamic pricing: Adapt your strategy to incentivize downloads with temporary offers.
The platform facilitates the management of these modalities, in addition to integrating Application Insights, Microsoft's advanced telemetry and analytics system. This way you can measure usage, detect errors, and constantly improve your product.
Languages and technologies supported by UWP
Another key advantage of UWP is the ability to use the language you are most experienced with. You can develop with:
- C# and XAML: The most popular combination for UWP, ideal for modern interfaces and robust code.
- C++ and DirectX: Perfect for high-performance graphics apps or games.
- VisualBasic: A simple option for prototyping or rapid development.
- JavaScript and HTML: For those coming from the web world and want to take advantage of their knowledge without learning new languages.
- WinUI: Modern library for creating advanced interfaces on UWP.
Compatibility is such that, once your app is packaged, you can even access certain Win32 and .NET APIs if your project requires it, thanks to compatibility bridges built into the Windows ecosystem.
Requirements and limitations for UWP development
To start programming UWP applications you need to meet some basic requirements:
- Windows 10 or higher: It is the minimal environment for developing and running UWP applications.
- VisualStudio: The Community 2019 version or higher is recommended to start with. From the wizard, you can choose the "Blank App (Windows Universal)" template and select your preferred language.
- Specific SDKs: If you want to implement advanced or specialized features, you'll need to download additional SDKs appropriate for the type of device you're targeting your app to.
In corporate or virtualization environments, such as Citrix, there are additional limitations. For example, file type association, live preview, and certain integrations may be restricted. Additionally, user management and store access must be carefully managed to avoid conflicts or compatibility issues.
How to start creating your first UWP app
Making the jump to UWP development is easier than it seems. Microsoft has simplified the process as much as possible:
- Install Windows 10 (or 11) and download Visual Studio Community 2019 or later.
- Open Visual Studio and select File > New > Project…, choose “Blank App (Windows Universal),” choose your language, and give your project a name.
- Set up your development environment, select the SDKs you'll need, and start designing your interface using XAML, HTML, or whatever technology you prefer.
- Implement your business logic and take advantage of responsive controls and panels to make your app look perfect on any device.
- Once it's ready, test your app on various simulators and, if everything works, publish it to the Microsoft Store or distribute it using whatever method works best for you.
If you need design inspiration, you can consult the official documentation for Fluent Design, the system that sets guidelines for creating apps that are visually and functionally consistent with the Windows ecosystem. Here we cover everything from accessibility to integrating advanced animations and visual effects.
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