dotnet presents an in-depth look into Windows Forms modernization in .NET 10, with live demos featuring the new WinForms Expert Agent for GitHub Copilot and insights on leveraging AI and modern APIs in desktop development.

What’s New in Windows Forms: Modern Enhancements and AI Integration

This session, presented by dotnet, showcases the evolution of Windows Forms (WinForms) development in .NET 10, focusing on both long-standing and modernized application needs.

Key Topics Covered

.NET 10 Enhancements for WinForms
Explore the latest updates and features in .NET 10, including:
- Modern UI improvements adapting Windows 11 design language
- Improved support for async and await patterns, vital for responsive Line-of-Business (LOB) applications
- Enhanced compatibility with core .NET 10 base libraries
- Support for new APIs (Microsoft AI Extensions, Semantic Kernel, Windows Projection APIs)
Live Demonstration: WinForms Expert Agent for GitHub Copilot
See a live demo of the new WinForms Expert Agent integration for GitHub Copilot, illustrating how AI can assist with:
- Intelligent code guidance respecting design-time constraints
- Bridging legacy WinForms code with modern code patterns
- Gradual modernization of existing desktop apps
AI in Desktop Development
Discover how AI assists, not replaces, skilled developers by:
- Providing contextual suggestions
- Balancing new features with backward compatibility
- Highlighting both benefits and limitations of AI-powered development
Resources

Takeaways

Windows Forms remains a robust platform for building and modernizing LOB desktop applications with .NET 10
Developers can leverage the newest AI-powered features via GitHub Copilot to accelerate and enhance Windows desktop development
AI tools aid productivity but still require knowledgeable developers for oversight and decision-making
The modernization path with WinForms balances rich legacy support and forward-looking feature adoption