Using .dylib files in MAUI IOS Apps.

[agingo]

Does MAUI / .NET Core 8 provide a simpler way to include a C++ dynamic library (.dylib) in a MAUI iOS deployment that does not require us to wrap our C++ shared library manually into an XCode Framework?

If not, it would be great if .NET or MAUI provided the ability to include C++ shared libraries (a .dylib) from within Visual Studio/VSCode.

[agingo]

The way we solved this was by creating a swift framework in XCode for our C++ code and then by following the instructions below to call the framework from our .NET 7 MAUI based application.

To ensure that Swift functionality is accessible from C# code in your .NET MAUI app, follow these steps:

1. Verify Binding Library Configuration:

   • Confirm that your .NET 7 iOS Binding Library (which bridges the Swift framework and C#) is correctly configured.
   • Ensure that the Swift framework is properly referenced in your binding library project.

2. Create C# Bindings:

   • In your binding library, create C# bindings for the Swift classes, methods, and properties you want to use.
   • Use the [Bind] attribute to map Swift APIs to C# methods or properties.
   • Example:

     [Bind("swiftMethodName:")]
     void SwiftMethod(string argument);

3. Invoke Swift Code from C#:

   • In your .NET MAUI app, reference the binding library.
   • Instantiate Swift objects using the C# bindings:

     var swiftObject = new SwiftClass();
     swiftObject.SwiftMethod("Hello from C#!");

4. Handle Callbacks:

   • If the Swift framework provides callbacks or delegates, handle them in C#.
   • Define C# delegate types that match the Swift callbacks and use them in your bindings.

5. Test on iOS Simulator or Device:

   • Deploy your .NET MAUI app to an iOS simulator or device.
   • Verify that the Swift functionality works as expected from your C# code.

6. Debugging and Troubleshooting:

   • If you encounter issues, check the build logs for any errors related to the binding library or Swift framework.
   • Ensure that the Swift framework is compatible with the .NET MAUI runtime.

Remember to thoroughly test your integration and handle any exceptions or edge cases. Swift-to-C# interop can be powerful, but it requires attention to detail. Happy coding! 🚀📱