OpenSilver

OpenSilver

OpenSilver is an open-source implementation of Silverlight, providing similar functionality for building rich internet applications using C# and XAML. As an open-source alternative, it allows developers to avoid being locked into Microsoft's ecosystem.
Development Web Application Frameworks
OpenSilver image
opensource silverlight c xaml ria
OpenSilver alternatives ➤

OpenSilver: Open-Source Implementation of Silverlight

An open-source implementation of Silverlight, providing similar functionality for building rich internet applications using C# and XAML, as an open-source alternative to Microsoft's ecosystem.

What is OpenSilver?

OpenSilver is an open-source re-implementation of Microsoft's Silverlight platform for building rich internet applications (RIAs). Like Silverlight, OpenSilver allows developers to use C# and XAML to create web apps with desktop-like functionality and interfaces.

As an open-source project, OpenSilver provides an alternative for developers who want to create Silverlight-like apps but avoid locking themselves into Microsoft's ecosystem. The code is available on GitHub for anyone to view, modify, or redistribute under an MIT license.

Some key capabilities and benefits of OpenSilver include:

  • Ability to create fluid UI/UX experiences powered by C# and XAML code
  • Use of GPU-accelerated graphics for smooth animations and video
  • Small runtime that can be distributed as part of self-contained applications
  • Cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • An open-source community providing free hosting of OpenSilver apps
  • Freedom from being tied to Microsoft's roadmap or licensing terms

While OpenSilver supports much Silverlight functionality, there are some limitations in terms of things like 3D graphics, database access, and integration with certain browsers. But for many RIAs it provides a compelling open alternative to build on.

OpenSilver Features

Features

  1. XAML-based UI framework
  2. C# and .NET support
  3. MVVM architecture
  4. 2D vector graphics
  5. Media playback
  6. Out-of-browser apps
  7. Cross-platform deployment

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source and free

Avoids vendor lock-in

Active community support

Familiar to Silverlight developers

Cons

Limited adoption

Less features than Silverlight

No designer tooling

Lacks some advanced capabilities

Official Links

Official Website
https://www.opensilver.net/

The Best OpenSilver Alternatives

Top Development and Web Application Frameworks and other similar apps like OpenSilver

Here are some alternatives to OpenSilver:

Adobe Animate icon
Adobe Animate
WebAnimator icon
WebAnimator
Adobe Flash Player Projector icon
Adobe Flash Player Projector
Mediator icon
Mediator
KoolMoves icon
KoolMoves
Ceylon icon
Ceylon
Suggest an alternative ❐

Adobe Animate icon

Adobe Animate

Adobe Animate is professional software used for creating animations, interactive content, games, and scalable vector graphics. Originally launched in 1996 as FutureSplash Animator, it was acquired by Adobe Systems in 2005 and renamed Adobe Flash Professional up until 2016 when it was rebranded Adobe Animate.Adobe Animate utilizes vector and raster...
Adobe Animate image
WebAnimator icon

WebAnimator

WebAnimator is a powerful yet easy-to-use web-based tool for creating animated and interactive content. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that allows non-technical users like designers, educators, marketers and more to produce engaging animations, interactive modules, product demos, and prototypes without needing to know how to code.Key features include:Animation timeline...
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Adobe Flash Player Projector icon

Adobe Flash Player Projector

The Adobe Flash Player Projector is a standalone executable version of the Adobe Flash Player that can run Flash movies (.swf files) outside of a web browser. Some key features and uses of the Flash Player Projector include:Allows Flash content to run directly on a desktop without requiring a web...
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Mediator icon

Mediator

Mediator is an open-source chatbot development platform launched in 2021. It allows developers and non-developers to build chatbots and virtual assistants without code using a visual interface. Some key features of Mediator include:Natural language processing capabilities to understand text, classify intents, and extract entitiesPre-built integrations with platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook...
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KoolMoves icon

KoolMoves

KoolMoves is a free and open-source computer animation and visual effects software for Windows. Originally released in 1999, KoolMoves provides a comprehensive toolset for creating 2D and 3D animations and interactive content.Key features of KoolMoves include:Intuitive interface for 2D and 3D animation with timeline and hierarchical editorsDrawing and image editing...
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Ceylon icon

Ceylon

Ceylon is an open source programming language that can run on the Java Virtual Machine or in JavaScript runtimes. It was created by Red Hat and aims to improve upon Java's shortcomings in areas like verbosity, boilerplate code, and lack of modularity.Some key features of Ceylon include:Strong and static type...
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Jabaco

Jabaco is an open-source project management and bug tracking software that serves as an alternative to Atlassian's Jira. It provides similar features for agile development teams to plan, track, and release software projects.Some of the key features of Jabaco include:Kanban boards for visualizing work status and tracking progressCustom workflows to...
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