What is the difference between xamarin component and link?

Question

I am from .net, so I understand what a link to a .net project is, and I know how to use Nuget to appeal.

But there is another folder in Xamarin called a component, and I can add another component. I found that if some component is added to the project, then some reference packages will be added when building the project.

Can I understand that this component is another way to add a link? If I add the link manually (without adding the component), then there are packages in the link, but empty in the component’s folder, will the project also compile?

Answer 1

Xamarin components are similar to NuGet packages because they can include assemblies referenced by your project when the component is installed.

However, the Xamarin component will also include sample projects and documentation that the NuGet package usually does not support.

The Xamarin component can also install the NuGet package instead of including assemblies.

So, the Xamarin component usually consists of:

• One or more assemblies designed for one or more platforms, such as Android or iOS.
• Code examples showing how this component can be used.
• NuGet package dependencies that may optionally be used instead of including assemblies directly in the component.