Microsoft has made a significant update to the Windows App SDK with the addition of native Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation support. This exciting development promises to revolutionize the performance of Windows 11 apps, making them faster and more responsive.
The Windows App SDK provides developers with a framework to build modern apps that utilize the latest APIs and function seamlessly across various Windows devices. However, apps built using this SDK, including both Microsoft’s own applications and third-party offerings, have faced a notorious issue: sluggish launch times, lagging animations, and slow response times. This was particularly evident in the Windows Photos app, which was so slow that Microsoft had to implement a workaround by keeping the app running in the background.
Native AOT compilation addresses these performance woes. It works by compiling apps into native code before they are executed. This eliminates the need for the computer to translate the code into a readable language during runtime, resulting in faster startup times and reduced memory consumption.
Microsoft’s own testing has demonstrated impressive results, revealing a 50% reduction in app launch times and an 8x decrease in package size. While these figures are promising, the real-world impact will depend on how developers adopt this technology.
To reap the benefits of AOT, developers need to update their apps to leverage it. The adoption rate and the extent of performance improvements will vary depending on individual apps and developer efforts. It’s important to remember that the slow performance of current Windows 11 apps is a known issue, and this update is a positive step towards resolving it. However, overnight transformations aren’t expected, and the speed gains will be gradual as developers integrate this new functionality.
Overall, native AOT compilation is a significant development for Windows 11 app performance. It marks a substantial step towards a smoother and more efficient user experience. It will be interesting to observe the impact of this update as it rolls out and developers adapt their apps to take advantage of this enhanced performance capability.
