The Flexibility of Microsoft Store App Publishing: Do You Need .NET or C#?

When considering publishing an application to the Microsoft Store, many developers mistakenly believe that their application must utilize the .NET stack, specifically C# or related technologies. This concern is unfounded. The Microsoft Store supports a variety of application types and programming languages, providing developers with numerous options to create and publish their applications.

Understanding the Types of Applications Supported by the Microsoft Store

The Microsoft Store currently supports four basic types of applications, each built using different technologies and programming languages. This diversity ensures that developers have the freedom to choose the tools and methodologies that best suit their needs.

Classic Windows Applications

The first category includes classic Windows applications built using Win32 technologies. These applications include games, productivity tools, and any software with a graphical user interface (GUI). Developers can use a wide range of technologies to build these applications, including GDI and GDI for basic graphics, the MFC library for creating windows-based applications, or any of the numerous other UI libraries available.

Example: A productivity tool for Windows could be created using GDI or GDI graphics libraries or utilizing the MFC library to create a robust GUI. These types of applications are not limited to any specific language or technology, providing developers with maximum flexibility in their development process.

Classic Windows Applications with .NET Technologies

Next, we have classic Windows applications built using .NET technologies. This category encompasses applications created with Windows Forms, Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), and third-party .NET UI libraries. These frameworks offer advanced features for graphical user interfaces, making it easier to create complex and modern applications.

Example: A document editor could be developed using either Windows Forms or WPF, providing a rich and user-friendly interface. Additionally, third-party UI libraries like those offered by Telerik can also be used to enhance application development.

Modern Windows Apps with Universal Windows Platform (UWP) Graphics Libraries

Modern Windows apps, which make use of the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) graphics libraries, offer a more contemporary look and feel. These apps include those that look and feel like built-in apps such as Edge, Maps, and others in Windows 10. UWP provides a consistent and modern look across all Windows devices.

Example: Creating a UWP application in JavaScript is straightforward. The process is outlined in the following steps:

Start a new UWP project in an environment like Visual Studio or another development platform. Use JavaScript as the primary language to create the user interface and logic. Utilize UWP functionalities provided by Microsoft to ensure compatibility with Windows devices.

This example demonstrates that UWP supports multiple programming languages, including JavaScript, giving developers the flexibility to choose their preferred language.

Modern Windows UWP-Based Console Apps

Lastly, modern console apps built on the UWP platform are also supported, though they require the April 2018 Update or later. These console applications primarily use the C programming language. Microsoft provides detailed documentation on how to create these types of applications:

Create a Universal Windows Platform console app

While C is the primary language, developers can also use other languages to build these applications, further emphasizing the flexibility of the UWP platform.

Do You Need .NET or C# for Your Application?

The answer to this question is clear: .NET or C# is not a requirement for publishing your application to the Microsoft Store. Applications like Krita and Inkscape, both of which are available in the Microsoft Store, are not developed in C#. These applications showcase the diversity and flexibility of the Microsoft Store's application ecosystem.

Regardless of the specific programming languages or frameworks you choose, the Microsoft Store supports a wide array of applications, ensuring that developers can create and publish their applications effectively. Whether you prefer .NET, C#, or another technology, there is a place in the Microsoft Store for your application.

For more information on the various types of applications supported by the Microsoft Store and how to publish your applications effectively, refer to the official Microsoft Store documentation. This resource provides detailed guidance and best practices to help you navigate the process of publishing your application.