Writing Android apps in C# (Xamarin) [closed]

Question

I'm a C# programmer and want to write an Android app. I'm a stubborn curmudgeon and refuse to write Java ever again (after switching to C# six years ago).

Besides Mono and MonoDroid (and writing Java), are there any options for me? Or should I just feel foolish for refusing to returning to my Java roots?

What's the advantages and disadvantages of Xamarin over others like Phonegap etc. ?

(Please refrain from Java-related vs. C# discussion. I was being rhetorical when I asked about returning to me Java roots.)

Answer 1

I believe that this is basically the only option for c# developers.

Answer 2

Developing a mobile application these days is an arduous task. You need to have a mobile app to get your business noticed and to gain market share with your audience, however which platform do you choose? Apple? Android? Windows Phone? Cost of developing a mobile app is one of the biggest hurdles besides the choice of platform. To get an application developed natively in two of the three major mobile operating systems immediately doubles the cost of development. Each mobile operating system is designed around development in a specific programming language and development environment.

3 different operating systems, 3 separate languages and development environments, and counting. To be able to cater to all of these operating systems natively, mobile app developers need to have someone able to be an expert in each of these programming languages and also be an expert in the nuances of how each mobile operating system works. Task lifecycles, multi-threading, memory limitations, garbage collection, etc.

More more about Xamarin :

http://devproconnections.com/mobile-development/product-review-xamarin-monotouch-and-mono-android

http://www.justinshield.com/2014/05/cross-platform-mobile-development-phonegap-vs-xamarin/