.NET MAUI (Multi-platform App UI) is Microsoft's solution for simplifying cross-platform app development by allowing developers to create mobile (iOS, Android) and desktop (Windows, macOS) apps using a single codebase in C# and XAML.

It’s a major step up from Xamarin, streamlining the development process for apps that run on multiple platforms without the need to manage separate versions for each.

Here’s a breakdown of why .NET MAUI is a game-changer:

1) Single Codebase: Write code once, and it runs on multiple platforms, reducing development time and complexity.

2) Native Performance: Apps run natively on each platform, ensuring high performance and a seamless user experience that feels platform-specific.

3) Consistent User Experience: It adapts the UI to match the native design principles of each platform (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS).

4) Shared Code: Core business logic and backend interactions can be shared across all platforms, minimizing redundant code and improving consistency.

5) Cross-Platform APIs: Access device features (like GPS and cameras) through shared APIs without needing platform-specific code.

6) Platform-Specific Flexibility: While most of the code is shared, .NET MAUI allows for custom platform-specific functionality when needed.

7) Unified Project Structure: Manage all platform-specific configurations and resources in a single project structure, streamlining maintenance and updates.

😎 Full Integration with the .NET Ecosystem: It leverages familiar tools like Visual Studio and supports features like hot reload and cross-platform debugging, making development faster and easier.

Key Features:

1) Blazor Integration: While .NET MAUI doesn’t support web apps natively, it can work with Blazor to build web applications. Using Blazor Hybrid, developers can combine web and native development by embedding Blazor components within MAUI apps.

2) Multi-Targeting: Developers can build and deploy apps for multiple platforms from a single project.

Conclusion:

.NET MAUI essentially makes cross-platform development more efficient by cutting down the need for managing separate codebases, while also offering the flexibility to cater to platform-specific needs. Although it doesn’t cover web development by itself, Blazor can be used alongside MAUI to cover the web component, extending its cross-platform reach further.
It’s a significant step forward in creating mobile, desktop, and potentially web apps all in one ecosystem.