MonoTouch: Building iPhone Apps Using C# and .NET

Category: My Tutorials > iOS

Novell has released MonoTouch 1.0, what it claims is the industry’s first solution for developing applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch using the Microsoft .NET Framework, including C# and other .NET programming languages. Until now, developers primarily built iPhone

applications using C and Objective-C. With MonoTouch, the creativity of millions of .NET developers worldwide can be unleashed to build a vast array of iPhone applications.

Developed by the Mono Project, an open source initiative sponsored by Novell, MonoTouch simplifies iPhone development by letting developers utilize code and libraries written for the .NET development framework and programming languages such as C#.

MonoTouch is an SDK that contains a suite of compilers, libraries, and tools for integrating with Apple’s iPhone SDK. Microsoft .NET base class libraries are included, along with managed

libraries for taking advantage of native iPhone APIs. Also included is a cross-compiler that can be used for turning .NET executable files and libraries directly into native applications for distribution on the Apple Apps* Store or for deployment to enterprise iPhone users. In addition, Xcode integration enables application developers to test on the device or in Apple’s iPhone Simulator and ship applications to the Apple App Store for distribution.

“The vast majority of Windows-centric developers, ISVs, and IT organizations have chosen the C# language and .NET for development,” said Miguel de Icaza, Mono project founder and Developer Platform vice president at Novell. “As such, we have seen tremendous demand for tools to build .NET-based iPhone applications. We developed MonoTouch in response to this demand, giving both individual developers and businesses a solution that breaks down the barriers to iPhone application development.”

MonoTouch Personal and Enterprise Editions are available now through shop.novell.com. MonoTouch Enterprise Edition is available for $999 per developer for a one-year subscription, which includes maintenance and updates. A five-developer enterprise license supports five concurrent developers and is available for US $3,999 per year. For individuals only building applications for the Apple App Store, MonoTouch Personal Edition is available for $399 per developer for a one-year subscription.

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Aasim Naseem

Hey, Thanks for your interest. I’m a PMP, AWS Solutions Architect, and Scrum Master certified professional with 17+ years of hands-on experience leading projects, building teams, and helping organizations deliver software solutions better, faster, and smarter.

Outside of work, I’ve got a deep curiosity for history — especially ancient civilizations like Egypt. I also enjoy reflecting on the everyday moments that shape how we live and work. This blog is my space to share insights, lessons, and thoughts from both my professional journey and personal interests.

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