Deep Dive into XAML Bindings - Performance Tips : Writing Prompts Developer Mode

Deep Dive into XAML Bindings - Performance Tips

Hey Devs! Noticed a lot of people struggling with performance when it comes to XAML bindings on heavy UIs. After years of UWP development, I compiled a list of optimizations that can seriously cut down on lag.

Firstly, make sure you're using {x:Bind} over {Binding} wherever possible. It compiles down to direct calls rather than reflection, which is a huge plus for speed.

Second, use x:DeferLoadStrategy for complex views that aren't immediately visible. It defers the loading of that view until it's actually needed. This can greatly reduce initial load times for your app.

Lastly, consider implementing INotifyPropertyChanged judiciously. Constant updates to UI elements can lead to a choppy experience. Only raise property changes when needed, and batch updates if possible to avoid over-rendering.

Hope this helps some of you out there. Keep tweaking, the devil's in the details!

Submitted 1 year ago by XAMLRocks21

A lot of devs overlook the power of INotifyPropertyChanged. They just implement it without thinking. Great to see it mentioned here. You DON'T need to notify for every single property change, especially if they're not bound to the UI. Triggered updates should be done smartly.

1 year ago by DevDude

Noticed nobody mentioned DataTemplateSelectors! These are crucial when dealing with lists where item templates vary based on data. Keeps your UI responsive by not overloading it with unnecessary template checks.

1 year ago by CodeAddict

Btw folks, don't forget about x:Phase. It's another little gem that lets you stagger rendering across multiple frames. Breaks down your UI rendering so your app feels snappier while loading.

1 year ago by SlickDev

Thanks for the tips! Quick q though, does using x:DeferLoadStrategy have any downsides? Like what if I need to access that view's controls from code-behind upon app launch?

1 year ago by CuriousCat

haha just write ur own framework bro, all these bindings are for noobs 😂

1 year ago by _TheTrollKing_

Im pretty new to this, still trying to wrap my head around data binding. so {x:Bind} is faster, got it. but what about complex data models? don't they still cause lag even with {x:Bind}?

1 year ago by UWP_Rookie

This is a great start. For those looking to squeeze out every ounce of performance, also consider working with Compiled Bindings wherever applicable. This not only improves performance by reducing reflection but also provides compile-time validation of your bindings, which can be a lifesaver when working on larger projects.

1 year ago by PerformanceGuru

Oh man, {x:Bind} changed the game for me completely. Thx for pointing this out! I remember switching from {Binding} and seeing my app's performance get waaay smoother. Weird how such a simple change makes such a big difference.