Our backend code is based on C# and we have an Android app based on Kotlin. The only user of the backend is this Android app (no iOS, web, etc.)
Our backend team has created a library and we are looking for a way to use it in the kotlin project as a dependency. Is it possible?
I found that there is a technology called Maui the let us create cross platform projects using dotnet. Can I use this technology in my Kotlin project to use that c# library?
directly referencing a C# library from Kotlin is not a straightforward process. C# and Kotlin are different programming languages, and they are typically used in separate ecosystems. However, there are some potential approaches you can explore:
API Integration: Expose the functionality of your C# library through a web API (RESTful or otherwise) and have your Kotlin Android app communicate with the backend via HTTP requests. This is a common approach for integrating mobile apps with backend services.
Create a Shared API Contract: Define a shared API contract using a language-neutral format such as OpenAPI (formerly Swagger). Both your C# backend and Kotlin Android app can use this shared contract to ensure compatibility.
.NET MAUI: .NET MAUI is a cross-platform framework that allows you to build apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS using .NET. However, it primarily focuses on creating cross-platform applications using C# and XAML. While .NET MAUI provides a unified API for building apps, using it directly in a Kotlin project might not be a straightforward solution.
If you choose to go with .NET MAUI, you could consider creating a .NET MAUI project for your Android app instead of using Kotlin directly. This would allow you to leverage your C# library more seamlessly.
JNI (Java Native Interface): While not a recommended approach, you could potentially create a Java Native Interface (JNI) bridge between Kotlin and C#. JNI is a framework that enables Java code running in a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) to call and be called by native applications and libraries written in other languages, such as C#.
However, this approach can be complex, error-prone, and may not be the most maintainable solution.
Before deciding on an approach, consider factors such as ease of maintenance, performance, and the specific requirements of your project. Additionally, check for updates and new technologies, as the software development landscape is continually evolving.
Its essential to communicate with your backend team to determine the best integration strategy based on the specifics of your project and the capabilities of the C# library.