The Howdy Glossary

Eto.Forms is a cross-platform framework that enables developers to create graphical user interfaces for desktop applications that can run on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers an API similar to Xamarin.Forms and WPF, facilitating the development of platform-agnostic applications with consistent UIs across different operating systems. Developers can use XAML or code directly to design adaptable layouts and controls. The framework includes built-in features like themes and localization, allowing for native-looking applications while sharing much of the codebase across deployments.

Eto.Forms was created by Curt Nichols as part of an open-source project initially hosted on Google Code. Nichols is known for his contributions to various open-source projects and his focus on simplifying cross-platform application development. Over time, Eto.Forms has evolved through the efforts of a community of developers who continue to enhance its capabilities and support its users.

Eto.Forms faces competition from other cross-platform GUI toolkits like Qt, Electron, Avalonia, and JavaFX. Despite this competition, it stands out due to its familiar API resembling Xamarin.Forms and WPF which eases adoption for experienced developers in these frameworks. Its flexibility in UI design—allowing both XAML or direct coding—and support for adaptable layouts make it a versatile choice. The inclusion of themes and localization out-of-the-box further distinguishes Eto.Forms as an efficient solution for building visually appealing multi-language applications across different platforms.