Windows App SDK
The Windows App SDK is a set of libraries, frameworks, and tools for building modern Windows desktop applications that work across multiple Windows versions (Windows 10 and later). It provides a unified development platform for WinUI 3, WebView2, and other modern Windows features, decoupling app development from the underlying OS to enable consistent APIs and deployment. It is the successor to the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and supports both packaged and unpackaged app deployment models.
Developers should learn the Windows App SDK when building new Windows desktop applications or modernizing existing ones, as it offers the latest UI controls, performance improvements, and access to modern Windows features like notifications and app lifecycle management. It is particularly useful for creating apps that need to run on multiple Windows versions without OS-specific code, and for leveraging WinUI 3 for fluent design and responsive interfaces. Use cases include business applications, utilities, and consumer software targeting the Windows ecosystem.