C++/WinRT vs Windows Runtime Library

Developers should learn C++/WinRT when building native Windows applications (e meets developers should learn winrt when building cross-platform windows applications that need to run on desktops, tablets, xbox, hololens, or iot devices, as it offers a unified api surface and language flexibility. Here's our take.

C++/WinRT

Nice Pick

Developers should learn C++/WinRT when building native Windows applications (e

Pros

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• Related to: c-plus-plus, windows-runtime

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Windows Runtime Library

Developers should learn WinRT when building cross-platform Windows applications that need to run on desktops, tablets, Xbox, HoloLens, or IoT devices, as it offers a unified API surface and language flexibility

Pros

• It is particularly useful for creating UWP apps that leverage modern Windows features like live tiles, notifications, and cloud integration, ensuring compatibility with future Windows updates and security standards
• Related to: universal-windows-platform, c-plus-plus-winrt

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. C++/WinRT is a library while Windows Runtime Library is a platform. We picked C++/WinRT based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

C++/WinRT wins

Based on overall popularity. C++/WinRT is more widely used, but Windows Runtime Library excels in its own space.