HOW TO: Get started with WPF and Silverlight 2? Software resources.
What tools and software do I need to start building WPF and Silverlight applications – this is one of the most frequently asked questions I have received. So in this short guide I will give you all resources you need to quickly start developing and designing your WPF and Silverlight experiences.
So, this is all you need to know
What is WPF?
Windows Presentation Foundation (or WPF), formerly code-named Avalon, is a graphical subsystem in .NET Framework 3.0 (formerly called WinFX), which uses a markup language, known as XAML for rich user interface development. WPF is included with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, and is also available for Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, and Windows Server 2003. It provides a consistent programming model for building applications and provides a clear separation between the user interface and the business logic. A WPF application can be deployed on the desktop or hosted in a web browser. It also enables rich control, design, and development of the visual aspects of Windows programs. It aims to unify a number of application services: user interface, 2D and 3D drawing, fixed and adaptive documents, advanced typography, vector graphics, raster graphics, animation, data binding, audio and video.
What is Silverlight?
Microsoft Silverlight is a programmable web browser plugin that enables features such as animation, vector graphics and audio-video playback that characterize rich Internet applications. Version 2.0, released October 2008, brings additional interactivity features and support for .NET languages and development tools.
Silverlight was developed under the codename Windows Presentation Foundation/Everywhere (WPF/E). It is compatible with multiple web browser products used on Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. Mobile devices, starting with Windows Mobile 6 and Symbian (Series 60) phones, will also be supported.
You can think of Silverlight as a subset of WPF targeted at web as medium.
How to get started with WPF and Silverlight 2
- 1. You will need Windows Vista, Windows XP SP3, Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2003
- 2. For best development / designer experience you should get .NET Framework 3.5 with Service Pack 1
- 3. You will need Visual Studio 2008 (with Service Pack 1) for rich development experience.
- 4. For rich design experience you should get Expression Studio 2 (at least you will need Expression Blend 2 with Service Pack 1).
- 5. If you want to develop Silverlight 2.0 solutions with Visual Studio 2008 SP 1, then you need to obtain Silverlight Tools for Visual Studio 2008 SP1. This add-on will update Visual Studio 2008 SP1 or Visual Web Developer Express. With this update you will get Silverlight project templates, developer runtime and, as it is usual, SDK (software development kit with samples and documentation).
- 6. For Deep Zoom solutions built with Silverlight you should install Deep Zoom Composer.
- 7. For further development and customization, you can get Silverlight Toolkit (obviously, for Silverlight apps) or WPF “toolkit” (I let you figure for what kind of apps is that used).
How to get free or trial versions of those tools?
If you are student then you are the luckiest man on world because Microsoft is now offering you free, fully functional versions of its development, design and other tools. Just go to www.dreamspark.com and confirm your student status and download tools you need. Yes, it is all free and there is no catch!
If you are not student, you can still get trial version of full Visual Studio 2008 SP1 or get Express editions of Visual Studio. Also, trial version of Expression Blend 2 and Service Pack 1 for Expression Blend 2 is also available.
And that is all. Now just decide what you want to build and have fun. UXPassion.com will continue providing you with even more tutorials and how-to articles to help you embrace WPF and Silverlight and encourage you to create rich, impressive and simply beautiful experiences.
WPF and Silverlight descriptions are courtesy of Wikipedia