Getting Started with Xamarin and Visual Studio 2017: A Step-by-Step Guide

Xamarin, a popular cross-platform development framework, allows developers to create mobile apps for Android and iOS using C# and the .NET Framework. To get started with Xamarin, you'll need an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Visual Studio. In this article, we'll explore how to use Visual Studio 2017 to develop your first Xamarin project.

Prerequisites

Before diving into development, make sure you have the necessary software installed on your machine:

* .NET Framework 4.6.1

* Visual Studio 2017 (or later)

* RFID SDK for Xamarin (Android) version 2.0.1.15

If you're using an older version of Visual Studio 2017, it's highly recommended that you update to the latest version available. To do so:

1. Start the Visual Studio installer

2. Select 'Update' if this option is available

Creating a New Xamarin Project in Visual Studio

To create your first Xamarin project in Visual Studio, follow these steps:

1. Launch Visual Studio 2017 and click on 'File' > 'New' > 'Project...'

2. In the 'Create a new project' dialog box, select 'Mobile App (Xamarin.Forms)' under the '.NET Core' section

3. Choose your desired project template: Blank, Navigation Page, or Tabbed Page

4. Set the project name and location as per your preference

5. Click on 'OK' to create the project

Your new Xamarin project is now set up in Visual Studio 2017! You can start building your mobile app using C# and the .NET Framework.

In this article, we've covered the basic steps required to get started with Xamarin development using Visual Studio 2017. By following these simple instructions, you'll be well on your way to creating cross-platform apps for Android and iOS using C#. Remember to update your Visual Studio installation if necessary, and start building your first Xamarin project today!

Xamarin visual studio 2017