Build .NET MAUI Apps Without XAML Using FmgLib.MauiMarkup
While XAML has been the standard way to build .NET MAUI interfaces, many developers prefer keeping everything inside C#.
FmgLib.MauiMarkup provides a modern fluent API that lets you build beautiful UI components entirely in C# while preserving readability, maintainability, and productivity.
Why Avoid XAML?
As applications grow, XAML files often become harder to maintain.
FmgLib.MauiMarkup allows developers to:
- Keep UI in C#
- Use IntelliSense everywhere
- Write cleaner code
- Refactor more easily
- Improve development speed
Fluent API
Instead of verbose XAML, UI can be written like this:
new Image()
.Source("dotnet_bot.png")
.SizeRequest(150,100)
.Opacity(.8);
Simple, readable and fully typed.
Rich Extension Methods
FmgLib.MauiMarkup includes fluent extensions for nearly every MAUI view property including:
- Layout
- Grid
- Margin
- Padding
- Colors
- Fonts
- Automation Properties
- Semantic Properties
- Attached Properties
Hot Reload
Design your pages inside the Build() method and instantly preview UI changes using Hot Reload without restarting the application.
Localization Ready
Building multilingual applications becomes much easier while keeping the UI code clean and organized.
Start a New Project
dotnet new install FmgLib.MauiMarkup.Template
dotnet new fmglib-mauimarkup-app -o MyApplication
Or install it into an existing MAUI project.
dotnet add package FmgLib.MauiMarkup
Third-Party Controls
You can even generate fluent extensions for your own custom controls or third-party UI libraries, providing a consistent development experience across your entire application.
Final Thoughts
FmgLib.MauiMarkup is more than an alternative to XAML.
It is a productivity-focused toolkit that combines fluent APIs, Hot Reload, localization support, and modern C# development practices into one open-source library.
If you're looking for a cleaner and faster way to build .NET MAUI applications, FmgLib.MauiMarkup is definitely worth trying.