Open-source successor to Microsoft Silverlight allows developers to build rich interactive web UIs with .NET, C#, XAML, and now, F#. Credit: sirtravelalot Userware has released OpenSilver 2.1, an update to its open-source successor to Microsoft’s discontinued Silverlight framework for building rich web applications. OpenSilver 2.1 adds support for Microsoft’s F# language. Introduced February 6, OpenSilver 2.1 can be downloaded from the project website. Userware describes OpenSilver 2.1 as “F# meets XAML for advanced web app development.” Initially unveiled in 2020, OpenSilver allows developers to create rich web applications using .NET, C#, XAML, and now, F#, Microsoft’s .NET language supporting functional, imperative, and object-oriented programming. OpenSilver 2.1 combines the strength of functional programming with the power of XAML to enhance the development of rich, complex web applications, Userware said. The integration of F# in OpenSilver 2.1 bridges the gap between functional programming and building rich interactive web UIs. OpenSilver developers now can enjoy the benefits of “both worlds,” Userware said, referring to the expressive and concise syntax of F# and the powerful declarative nature of XAML for UI design. Userware has migrated Microsoft’s original Silverlight Toolkit Samples app to OpenSilver with almost no changes. These can be experienced in a browser, with no plug-in required. OpenSilver 2.1 also supports theming, offering a dozen themes, and boasts a revamped animation system, new controls, and enhanced performance. An enhanced OpenSilver Gallery page features more than 100 F# samples. Also featured are previews of 3D and VR/AR web apps, using OpenSilver, .NET, and XAML, and a sample CRM app, which serves as a starting point for building line-of-business apps. Support for Silverlight was ended by Microsoft in October 2021. OpenSilver reimplements Silverlight using standardized technologies such as HTLM5, CSS3, and WebAssembly, allowing it to run on all current browsers, including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari, without requiring a plugin. 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