ILSpy for macOS: First Public Beta Release
Announcing the first public beta release of ILSpy for macOS, powered by Avalonia XPF.
Announcing the first public beta release of ILSpy for macOS, powered by Avalonia XPF.
We're thrilled to announce the first public beta release of ILSpy for macOS! This release marks an important moment for the beloved open-source .NET decompiler, as it extends its reach beyond Windows to embrace the macOS ecosystem, with Linux coming very soon. Powered by Avalonia XPF, this version brings the robust functionality of ILSpy to Mac users, opening up new possibilities for developers working in cross-platform environments.
For those unfamiliar with ILSpy, it has long been a staple tool in the .NET developer's arsenal. Originally created as an open-source alternative to .NET Reflector, ILSpy has grown into a powerful and feature-rich decompiler, disassembler, and analyzer for .NET assemblies. Its ability to convert compiled .NET code back into readable C# or Visual Basic has made it an invaluable resource for developers seeking to understand, debug, or learn from existing .NET applications.
Until now, ILSpy has primarily been a Windows-centric tool, leveraging the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) for its user interface. This limitation has left Mac and Linux users without access to one of the most popular .NET decompilation tools. Today, that changes.
The transition to macOS has been made possible through the power of Avalonia XPF. By leveraging Avalonia XPF, we've been able to take the existing WPF-based ILSpy and adapt it to run on macOS and Linux. What's truly remarkable about this, is the minimal effort required to make it cross-platform. We're excited to share that we only had to change approximately 16 lines of code from the original WPF version to get ILSpy running on both macOS and Linux. This testament to the power of Avalonia XPF!
It's the ILSpy you know and love, but running on macOS.
As with any beta software, you may encounter some rough edges or unexpected behavior. We've worked hard to ensure a stable experience, but your feedback will be crucial in identifying and resolving any macOS-specific issues.
If you encounter any issues or have feedback to share, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can email your thoughts, bug reports, or suggestions directly to me at [email protected]. Your input will be invaluable as we work towards a stable, feature-complete release of ILSpy for macOS and Linux.
Exciting news for Linux users: We're currently in the process of packaging up the Linux version of ILSpy, which should be ready for release next week. This rapid expansion to multiple platforms underscores our commitment to making ILSpy accessible to developers across all major operating systems.
We encourage all .NET developers using macOS to download and try out this beta release of ILSpy. Whether you're a seasoned .NET developer curious about the internals of your assemblies, a security researcher analyzing third-party code, or a student learning about .NET internals, ILSpy for macOS offers a powerful set of tools to support your work.
Download the macOS beta today and join us in this exciting new phase of ILSpy's evolution! And stay tuned for the Linux release coming next week!
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