Microsoft Launches Winapp CLI To Simplify Windows App Development

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Winapp Brings Windows App Tasks Into A Single Command-Line Tool

Microsoft has announced the public preview of winapp, short for Windows App Development CLI. The open-source tool is designed to consolidate common Windows app development tasks into a single command-line interface, reducing reliance on heavyweight tools such as Visual Studio and MSBuild.

Winapp is intended to manage Windows SDKs, generate app identities, handle manifests and certificates, package apps, and integrate build tools regardless of the framework or programming language being used. Microsoft positions it as a workflow-friendly option for developers who prefer automation and scripting over graphical IDEs.

Designed For Cross-Platform And Non-Visual Studio Workflows

Support For Multiple Frameworks And Languages

According to Microsoft, winapp targets developers working with cross-platform frameworks or alternative toolchains. This includes web developers using Electron, C++ developers relying on CMake, and developers building apps with .NET, Rust, or Dart.

The goal is to make native Windows APIs and platform features accessible without forcing developers to adopt Microsoft’s traditional tooling stack. Winapp aims to abstract much of the configuration complexity that often discourages developers from targeting Windows.

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