Free open-source UI framework introduces a drag-and-drop UI designer that also allows users to create and modify UIs using natural language commands. Credit: BalanceFormCreative / Shutterstock Userware has released OpenSilver 3.0, and update to the free and open-source UI framework for .NET that introduces a drag-and-drop UI designer. The release also previews a generative AI-powered UI designer. Introduced July 9, OpenSilver 3.0 integrates AI functionality into the designer that allows users to generate complex UIs and make modifications using natural language commands, Userware said. Developers can describe desired changes and the XAML code will be automatically updated. Developers also can upload images or a mockup, and the AI will generate an approximation. Known as a replacement for Microsoft’s Silverlight rich Internet application framework, OpenSilver can be downloaded from forms.opensilver.net. Developers can use it to build .NET web applications in C# and XAML. OpenSilver 3.0 also features a drag-and-drop UI designer with more than 100 built-in controls and support for Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code editor in addition to already supporting the Microsoft Visual Studio IDE. These moves extend the OpenSilver development environment to Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, Userware said. OpenSilver 3.0 also introduces XAML.io, an online XAML designer that allows developers to build an app directly in the web browser, with no installation required. Developers then can transition to Visual Studio for further development. XAML.io was built using OpenSilver. OpenSilver 3.0 also improves the ability to load XAML dynamically from a string at runtime, revamps how resources are packaged into compiled assemblies, and moves TypeScript definitions to a separate NuGet package (OpenSilver.TypeScriptDefinitionsToCSharp). Further, as part of the 3.0 release, Userware is expanding professional services to help businesses leverage .NET and AI. Upcoming plans for OpenSilver include .NET MAUI hybrid support, allowing developers to deploy native applications across iOS, Windows, Android, and MacOS, and seamless integration of Blazor and JavaScript components within C# and XAML code. More developer news: FTC’s non-compete ban almost certainly dead, based on a Texas federal court decision Microsoft moves forward with C# 13, offering overload resolution Amazon Bedrock updated with contextual grounding, RAG connectors Google, Udacity offer free course on Gemini API Judge dismisses lawsuit over GitHub Copilot AI coding assistant Related content analysis Beyond the usual suspects: 5 fresh data science tools to try today The mid-month report includes quick tips for easier Python installation, a new VS Code-like IDE just for Python and R users, and five newer data science tools you won't want to miss. By Serdar Yegulalp Jul 12, 2024 2 mins Python Programming Languages Software Development analysis Generative AI won’t fix cloud migration You’ve probably heard how generative AI will solve all cloud migration problems. It’s not that simple. Generative AI could actually make it harder and more costly. By David Linthicum Jul 12, 2024 5 mins Generative AI Artificial Intelligence Cloud Computing news HR professionals trust AI recommendations HireVue survey finds 73% of HR professionals trust AI to make candidate recommendations, while 75% of workers are opposed to AI making hiring decisions. By Paul Krill Jul 11, 2024 3 mins Technology Industry Careers how-to Safety off: Programming in Rust with `unsafe` What does it mean to write unsafe code in Rust, and what can you do (and not do) with the 'unsafe' keyword? The facts may surprise you. By Serdar Yegulalp Jul 11, 2024 8 mins Rust Programming Languages Software Development Resources Videos