UWP (Universal Windows Platform) Pros and Cons

Introduction   

UWP is a Microsoft computing Platform that was introduced in Windows 10. The purpose of UWP is to allow developers to build universal applications that run on devices including Windows 10 devices, Windows Windows 11 devices, Xbox consoles and IoT compatible devices such as HoloLens without the need to rewrite the code for each.

Pros of UWP

• Cross-Device Compatibility - UWP allows developers to build applications that can run on a variety of Windows 10 and 11 devices including PCs, tablets, smartphones, Xbox consoles and IoT devices, providing a consistent experience across different devices.
• Adaptive UI - UWP provides tools and APIs for creating adaptive user interfaces that can dynamically adjust their layout and behavior based on factors such as screen size, orientation and input method, ensuring a consistent user experience across devices.
• Integration with Windows Features - UWP apps can leverage the full range of Windows 10 features and services including Cortana voice commands, live tiles, notifications, inking and more, enhancing the user experience and improving engagement.
• Microsoft Store Distribution - UWP apps can be distributed through the Microsoft Store making them easily discoverable by users and providing a streamlined deployment process with features like automatic updates, in-app purchases and licensing management.
• Security and Sandboxing - UWP apps run in a sandboxed environment with limited access to system resources, in turn, enhancing security by reducing the risk of malware and protecting user privacy.
• Modern Development Tools - UWP development is supported by modern tools like Visual Studio and the Universal Windows Platform SDK which offer features such as code templates, debugging tools and performance profiling for streamlined development workflows.

Cons of UWP

• Platform Limitations - UWP apps are restricted in their access to certain system resources and APIs compared to traditional Win32 applications, which can limit their functionality in certain scenarios, particularly for applications requiring low-level system access or integration with legacy technologies.
• Market Fragmentation - Despite Microsoft's efforts to unify the Windows ecosystem, UWP apps may face challenges in reaching a broad audience due to platform fragmentation, with different devices running different versions of Windows 10 and varying levels of support for UWP features.
• Extended learning process - Developing UWP apps requires new developers to familiarise themselves with new concepts and APIs which can result in a steep learning curve and potentially slower development cycles.
• Dependency on Microsoft Ecosystem - UWP development ties developers to the Microsoft ecosystem, including Windows 10 and the Microsoft Store, which may limit flexibility and portability compared to cross-platform alternatives.
• Performance Overhead - UWP apps may incur a performance overhead compared to native Win32 applications due to factors such as sandboxing, managed code execution and overhead costs associated with platform-specific features and APIs.

Conclusion