Microsoft Hands Over Mono to WineHQ: A New Chapter in Open Source
August 29, 2024, 11:26 pm
Location: United States, California, San Francisco
Employees: 201-500
Founded date: 2011
Total raised: $82M
The Mono Project, a cornerstone of the .NET ecosystem, is changing hands. Microsoft, the tech giant that once nurtured it, has now passed stewardship to the WineHQ organization. This marks a significant shift in the landscape of open-source software.
Mono began its journey in 2001. It was designed to enable developers to create cross-platform applications. Think of it as a bridge connecting different islands of operating systems—Android, iOS, Linux, and more. This bridge allowed .NET developers to reach users beyond the confines of Windows.
In 2016, Microsoft acquired Xamarin, the company behind Mono. This acquisition brought Mono under Microsoft's wing. The last major release of Mono came in July 2019. Since then, only minor patches have trickled out, the latest in February 2024. It seemed like Mono was fading into the background.
Now, the torch has been passed to WineHQ. This organization is known for its compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on POSIX-compliant systems. By taking over Mono, WineHQ will maintain the upstream repository on GitLab. Existing source code will remain accessible, though some repositories may be archived. Binaries will be available for four years, providing a safety net for current users.
Microsoft is not abandoning Mono entirely. It has been developing a modern fork of the Mono runtime within the dotnet/runtime repository. This new version has become the preferred platform for .NET workloads. Microsoft encourages Mono users to migrate to this updated runtime. It’s like moving from an old, rickety bridge to a sleek, modern highway.
The history of Mono is rich and complex. It was initiated by Miguel de Icaza, a visionary who sought to bring .NET to Unix-like platforms. His journey began with Ximian, which later became part of Novell. Mono was pivotal in efforts to get Microsoft’s Silverlight onto Linux systems. It was a bold move, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in software development.
Over the years, Mono evolved. In 2009, Microsoft introduced its "Community Promise" for .NET standards. This promise allowed Mono to thrive outside Microsoft's direct control. It was a significant step, signaling a shift in Microsoft's approach to open source.
However, by 2011, Novell was struggling. Mono’s future seemed uncertain. De Icaza launched Xamarin to breathe new life into Mono, particularly for Android development. This move was a game-changer. Xamarin took over Mono’s intellectual property and customers, integrating it into its offerings.
In 2014, Microsoft began open-sourcing .NET. This was a watershed moment. The company acquired Xamarin in 2016, placing Mono under an MIT license. This decision was a clear indication of Microsoft’s commitment to open source. Mono became part of a larger ecosystem, but its identity began to blur.
Now, with the donation to WineHQ, Mono's future is more uncertain. Microsoft’s gesture is commendable. It signals a new era of collaboration. Wine has already utilized Mono code in its fixes. By donating Mono, Microsoft has removed any lingering doubts about its control over the project. It’s a step towards a more open and collaborative future.
What does this mean for developers? For now, not much will change. WineHQ will continue to support Mono. However, the focus will shift to Microsoft’s modern fork. Developers will need to adapt. The landscape is evolving, and those who cling to the past may find themselves left behind.
The transition is a reminder of the fluid nature of technology. Projects rise and fall, and stewardship can change hands. Mono’s journey reflects the broader trends in the software industry. Open source is no longer a niche; it’s mainstream. Companies like Microsoft are embracing it, reshaping their identities in the process.
As Mono finds its new home, developers must navigate this shift. The road ahead may be rocky, but it’s also filled with opportunities. Embracing change is essential. The world of software development is a vast ocean, and those who adapt will sail smoothly.
In conclusion, the transition of the Mono Project to WineHQ is a significant milestone. It marks the end of an era and the beginning of another. Microsoft’s decision to donate Mono reflects a changing attitude towards open source. It’s a move that could foster innovation and collaboration. As the dust settles, developers will need to chart their course in this new landscape. The future is bright for those willing to embrace it.
Mono began its journey in 2001. It was designed to enable developers to create cross-platform applications. Think of it as a bridge connecting different islands of operating systems—Android, iOS, Linux, and more. This bridge allowed .NET developers to reach users beyond the confines of Windows.
In 2016, Microsoft acquired Xamarin, the company behind Mono. This acquisition brought Mono under Microsoft's wing. The last major release of Mono came in July 2019. Since then, only minor patches have trickled out, the latest in February 2024. It seemed like Mono was fading into the background.
Now, the torch has been passed to WineHQ. This organization is known for its compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on POSIX-compliant systems. By taking over Mono, WineHQ will maintain the upstream repository on GitLab. Existing source code will remain accessible, though some repositories may be archived. Binaries will be available for four years, providing a safety net for current users.
Microsoft is not abandoning Mono entirely. It has been developing a modern fork of the Mono runtime within the dotnet/runtime repository. This new version has become the preferred platform for .NET workloads. Microsoft encourages Mono users to migrate to this updated runtime. It’s like moving from an old, rickety bridge to a sleek, modern highway.
The history of Mono is rich and complex. It was initiated by Miguel de Icaza, a visionary who sought to bring .NET to Unix-like platforms. His journey began with Ximian, which later became part of Novell. Mono was pivotal in efforts to get Microsoft’s Silverlight onto Linux systems. It was a bold move, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in software development.
Over the years, Mono evolved. In 2009, Microsoft introduced its "Community Promise" for .NET standards. This promise allowed Mono to thrive outside Microsoft's direct control. It was a significant step, signaling a shift in Microsoft's approach to open source.
However, by 2011, Novell was struggling. Mono’s future seemed uncertain. De Icaza launched Xamarin to breathe new life into Mono, particularly for Android development. This move was a game-changer. Xamarin took over Mono’s intellectual property and customers, integrating it into its offerings.
In 2014, Microsoft began open-sourcing .NET. This was a watershed moment. The company acquired Xamarin in 2016, placing Mono under an MIT license. This decision was a clear indication of Microsoft’s commitment to open source. Mono became part of a larger ecosystem, but its identity began to blur.
Now, with the donation to WineHQ, Mono's future is more uncertain. Microsoft’s gesture is commendable. It signals a new era of collaboration. Wine has already utilized Mono code in its fixes. By donating Mono, Microsoft has removed any lingering doubts about its control over the project. It’s a step towards a more open and collaborative future.
What does this mean for developers? For now, not much will change. WineHQ will continue to support Mono. However, the focus will shift to Microsoft’s modern fork. Developers will need to adapt. The landscape is evolving, and those who cling to the past may find themselves left behind.
The transition is a reminder of the fluid nature of technology. Projects rise and fall, and stewardship can change hands. Mono’s journey reflects the broader trends in the software industry. Open source is no longer a niche; it’s mainstream. Companies like Microsoft are embracing it, reshaping their identities in the process.
As Mono finds its new home, developers must navigate this shift. The road ahead may be rocky, but it’s also filled with opportunities. Embracing change is essential. The world of software development is a vast ocean, and those who adapt will sail smoothly.
In conclusion, the transition of the Mono Project to WineHQ is a significant milestone. It marks the end of an era and the beginning of another. Microsoft’s decision to donate Mono reflects a changing attitude towards open source. It’s a move that could foster innovation and collaboration. As the dust settles, developers will need to chart their course in this new landscape. The future is bright for those willing to embrace it.