What are the main challenges when using MvvmCross

Defects in Framework Components

One of the main challenges with MvvmCross is the presence of defects within some of its components, particularly those related to Android and iOS views that support data binding. These defects can lead to issues with the UI and require additional debugging efforts. Since MvvmCross is open-source, users can contribute fixes, but this may not always be straightforward for developers without extensive knowledge of the framework's internals[3].

Startup Speed

MvvmCross applications often experience slower startup times compared to other frameworks. This is largely due to the reflection-based mechanisms used during initialization, which are inherent to the framework's architecture. While this slowness is also common in Xamarin apps in general, it can be a drawback for users expecting fast app launches[3].

Upgrade Pains

Upgrading MvvmCross versions can be challenging due to significant changes in naming conventions and behavior. The documentation often lags behind these updates, leading to difficulties in finding solutions to new issues. This results in a lengthy and sometimes frustrating upgrade process[3].

Documentation Quality

The quality of MvvmCross documentation is another challenge. It often contains spelling mistakes, lacks comprehensive reference materials, and includes broken links. Developers frequently have to delve into the framework's source code to find accurate information, which can be time-consuming and requires a good understanding of the framework's architecture[3].

Outdated Samples

MvvmCross provides a repository of sample projects, but many of these samples are outdated and not compatible with the latest versions of the framework. This makes it difficult for new developers to get started or for existing developers to adapt to changes in the framework. Only a few samples are actively maintained, which limits their usefulness for learning and troubleshooting[3].

Data Binding Limitations

While MvvmCross supports data binding, certain binding modes, like one-time binding, are less commonly used and may not be suitable for all scenarios. This mode does not actively monitor changes from the ViewModel, which can lead to outdated data in the View if not properly managed[1].

Navigation and Lifecycle Issues

Navigating between ViewModels and managing their lifecycle can be complex, especially when dealing with platform-specific behaviors like tombstoning on Android. MvvmCross provides lifecycle methods to help manage these scenarios, but mastering them requires a good understanding of both the framework and the underlying platform specifics[7].

Inversion of Control and Service Locator

While MvvmCross's built-in Service Locator pattern and Inversion of Control (IoC) support are powerful features, they require careful setup and management. Registering services and resolving dependencies can become complex if not properly organized, especially in larger applications[3][6].

In summary, while MvvmCross offers many benefits for cross-platform development, it presents several challenges related to defects, performance, documentation, and complexity. Addressing these challenges requires a deep understanding of the framework and its underlying technologies.