Rachel Kang details enhancements to Visual Studio’s XAML Live Preview feature for .NET MAUI, including design-time support, GitHub Copilot integration, and real-time UI prototyping tools.

Enhancements to XAML Live Preview in Visual Studio for .NET MAUI

The XAML Live Preview feature in Visual Studio 2022 version 17.14 introduces a much-improved workflow for developers building .NET MAUI applications:

Design-Time Availability

  • Live Preview during design time: You can now open the XAML Live Preview window without starting a debug session, allowing immediate feedback on XAML changes.
  • Faster UI iteration: Real-time updates help streamline and speed up the design process.
  • Hot Reload & live UI tools: Continue to use Hot Reload alongside Live Preview for more efficient development.
  • Element inspection: Select elements in the preview to navigate to their XAML source.
  • Layout tools: Use zoom, ruler, and docking for effective layout analysis.

Multi-Platform Support

  • Android devices and emulators: Beyond Windows, preview your UI on Android devices or emulators for cross-platform consistency.

GitHub Copilot and Vision Integration

  • AI-assisted XAML authoring: GitHub Copilot is supported within this workflow and can suggest or complete XAML code.
  • Copilot Vision: Attach a reference image to have Copilot generate corresponding XAML, with real-time Live Preview updates for easier prototyping and refining.

Getting Started

These enhancements provide a faster, more visual workflow for .NET MAUI developers, leveraging both manual tools and GitHub Copilot’s AI capabilities for a modern, productive experience.

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