Compatibility issues of Helixtoolkit.Wpf with .NET 8 (NU1701), discussion on Long-term Support and Migration Strategy

[sebkraemer]

Version: 2.25.0

Package: HelixToolkit.Wpf

Issue: I'm seeking guidance/feedback and community support for migrating HelixToolkit.Wpf to .NET 8.0. The compiler issues the following:

warning NU1701: Package 'HelixToolkit.Wpf 2.25.0' was restored using '.NETFramework,Version=v4.6.1, .NETFramework,Version=v4.6.2, .NETFramework,Version=v4.7, .NETFramework,Version=v4.7.1, .NETFramework,Version=v4.7.2, .NETFramework,Version=v4.8, .NETFramework,Version=v4.8.1' instead of the project target framework 'net8.0-windows7.0'. This package may not be fully compatible with your project.

Reproduce Steps:

1. Create a windows project with target .NET 8.0.
2. Add Helixtoolkit.Wpf with NuGet as dependency.

I am evaluating the use of Helix-Toolkit and the HelixToolkit.Wpf or possibly SharpDX.Wpf components for an upcoming project. It shall be based on WPF, and I want to start the project based on .net8. I noticed that the existing nuget package is only built for .net framework 4.6.

The initial tests and migration steps for HelixToolkit.Wpf were successful, however I got the aforementioned compiler warning. The successful part is limited to the wpf component only, not I also encountered significant challenges when trying to update other dependent projects within the same solution, esp. tests and examples projects. The samples use the propertytools.wpf component which is .net framework based and apparently not really maintained any more. Wpf.Input complains with Cannot add reference 'TDx.TDxInput.dll' to project 'HelixToolkit.Wpf.Input' because their target frameworks are incompatible.

I'm now wondering if going forward with helixtoolkit solution is an option. I would appreciate any insights, shared experiences, or advice on handling this situation, especially:

• Are there already plans/discussions to migrate the wpf components to .NET8?
• Is there community interest and support for ongoing and future .NET versions?
• Do you know of any compatibility issues with .NET 8.0 that could impact the usage of HelixToolkit.Wpf or SharpDX.Wpf?

Thank you for any guidance you can provide!

[sebkraemer]

Apparently, issue #100 already talks about modernizing HelixToolkit.Wpf.Input.

[holance]

You need to use Helixtoolkit.core.wpf for dot net 6 above.