What Is Universal Windows Platform? Explained In 200 Words

UWP stands for the Universal Windows Platform.

It’s an application programming interface (API) created by Microsoft to develop universal apps, aka windows apps.

Universal apps can run on all Microsoft Windows devices including PCs, smartphones, tablets, game consoles, HoloLens, and IoT devices.

It allows app development for multiple devices without the need to re-write for each platform.

It’s an extension of the Windows Runtime Platform and part of Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile.

These apps can be downloaded from the Windows Store.

It’s being used to deliver modern experience through its key features such as style customization, graphic-intensive development, and attractive user interfaces.

It supports C++, C#, F#, JavaScript, and VB.NET to develop apps.

Advantages Of UWP:

• Adaptive, responsive, and intuitive user experience on each device
• Separation of business logic and user interface due to Model View-View Model architecture
• Reduced overhead for administration
• Hassle-free deployment
• Faster-time-to-market due to a single code base for multiple platforms

Visual Studio is used to develop UWP apps. However, they have also launched UWP Bridges to support Android and iOS apps to be published on the Windows store.

Note: UWP apps don’t run on Windows 7 and 8 devices.