https://www.alternetsoft.com/blog/alternet-studio-x-preview

AlterNET Studio X preview

Discover Alternet Studio X's a next-generation, cross-platform code editor and debugging suite for .NET and Python developers. Build and debug applications on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
24 Nov 2024 3 min read

What Is Alternet Studio X

We are excited to introduce AlterNET Studio X, our next-generation cross-platform code editor and scripting solution. Built on .NET Standard 2.0 and the AlterNET UI library, AlterNET Studio X brings full .NET & Python debugging support to Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

In this preview, you will see how AlterNET Studio X redefines multi-platform development, what component changes lie ahead, and how you can be among the first to try it. The beta launch is expected in early 2025.

Cross-Platform Code Editor

AlterNET Studio X’s Code Editor is designed for true cross-platform consistency. Developers on macOS and Linux will benefit from a native editing experience powered by the AlterNET UI library. On Windows, the Code Editor maintains all the existing features developers rely on, with full parity in functionality.

Meanwhile, support for iOS and Android is made possible via .NET MAUI integration, ensuring that code editing on mobile devices is seamless and responsive.

Unified Debugging for .NET and Python

At the core of AlterNET Studio X lies a new unified debugging engine, capable of handling C#, Visual Basic and Python scripts. The .NET debugger integrates directly with the platform’s diagnostic APIs, supporting breakpoints, call stacks, watch expressions, and variable inspection. Developers can step through code in real time, attach to external processes, and inspect application state across supported platforms.

The Python debugger complements this by offering an embedded Python interpreter. This makes it possible to step between .NET and Python code in hybrid solutions, where Python scripts extend .NET host applications. Such integration is particularly useful for automation, AI integration, and scientific computation scenarios, where .NET’s structure meets Python’s flexibility.

Changes to Component Libraries

To support this cross-platform evolution, the AlterNET Studio component libraries have been refactored and reorganized. All core assemblies now target .NET Standard 2.0, allowing them to run on any modern .NET runtime. Platform-specific functionality, such as Windows UI components, has been isolated into dedicated modules, while the Alternet UI framework handles common functionality across systems.

Developers using the current version of AlterNET Studio will find that most APIs remain compatible, simplifying migration to the new environment.

Product Tiers & Licensing

AlterNET Studio X will be offered in two editions to suit different development needs. The Universal Edition includes full cross-platform functionality with support for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, along with both .NET and Python debugging. The Windows Edition focuses on WinForms and WPF development, offering access to platform-specific source code and maintaining feature parity with the current generation of AlterNET Studio.

Existing Universal Edition subscribers will automatically be upgraded to the highest subscription tier, gaining access to upcoming previews and updates as the platform evolves.

Roadmap and Availability

AlterNET Studio X is currently in the preview stage, with a public beta release planned for early 2025. The roadmap includes improved code editing experience, and Python and .NET debugger’s integration. Future updates will also introduce additional code editing features and optimizations.

Summary

AlterNET Studio X represents the next stage in the evolution of the Alternet Studio ecosystem - transforming a Windows-based development environment into a fully cross-platform code editing and debugging framework. With unified support for .NET and Python script debugging, modernized architecture, and consistent UI behavior across all major operating systems, AlterNET Studio X offers developers a robust, extensible foundation for building the next generation of cross-platform applications.