Microsoft released a huge update to the Windows Community Toolkit. This update adds lots of improvements and features. In addition to adding new features, Microsoft removed some existing features from the Toolkit. The complete detail of removed and migrated features is available on the official website of Microsoft.
Windows Community Toolkit v8.0 is available
Windows Community Toolkit is a collection of controls for Uno Platform, WinUI2, and WinUI3 developers. The Toolkit can be used to develop apps for Windows 11/10 devices, including mobiles, PCs, Xbox, IoT, and Hololens.
This new update allows developers targeting or migrating between multiple platforms to easily migrate code written on Windows Community Toolkit v8.0 without modifying or changing their source.
Microsoft has also removed some features from Windows Community Toolkit. These features may not be available on all platforms due to platform limitations or unimplemented APIs. Some of the features that are not included in this release are:
- DropShadowPanel: Microsoft has replaced this feature with Attached Shadows in the Extensions and Media package.
- InAppNotification: Microsoft has replaced it with StackedNotificationsBehavior in our Behaviors package.
- RadialGradientBrush and RadialProgressBar: These are now part of WinUI.
- XAML Islands Helpers: It is now part of Windows App SDK.
New features introduced to Windows Community Toolkit v8.0
Let’s see the new features added to the Windows Community Toolkit.
New Design
Microsoft introduced a new sleek and modern design to the Windows Community Toolkit that makes it easier to use and explore the components feature set easily. This new design integrates samples and documentation on a single page.
HeaderedTreeView
A new component, named HeaderedTreeView is introduced to the HeaderedControls package (that contains the HeaderedItemsControl and HeaderedContentControl).
Segmented Control
Microsoft also introduced a new Segmented Control to the Windows Community Toolkit that lets users pick one of several options. Now, users can easily do tasks like setting filters, changing a view, etc. Also, the new built-in styles allow users to customize this control to fit their app experiences easily.
Settings Controls
Microsoft also added two new controls, SettingsCard and SettingsExpander to the Windows Community Toolkit. Now, users can easily create great-looking settings experiences.
New GridSplitter
GridSplitter got a new modern look and improved behavior. In addition to this, two new controls, ContentSizer and PropertySizer are also added to the GridSplitter. Now, by using these two controls, users can make existing controls resizable.
StackedNotificationsBehavior
Microsoft has replaced the InAppNotification with the StackedNotificationsBehavior. It allows users to provide notifications within their app by using the InfoBar control.
This is the highlight of Windows Community Toolkit. You can read complete details about this update on microsoft.com.
Features that are already present in WCT
WindowsXamlHost
Windows brings in some pre-release APIs using which the classic Windows Applications based on Win32 APIs can leverage the new UI Elements from the Fluent Design System into these Win32 Windows Applications.
Wrapped Controls
This is built on top of the previously discussed WindowsXAMLHost. It brings in a bunch of wrapped UWP Controls. This helps in enhancing the functionality and usability of a particular application.
TabView Control
Now, users can leverage the use and implementations of tab view in the UWP Applications. This is fully customizable and easy to implement. This brings in a more diverse way of implementing the navigation panel of a UWP application.
