You’ve read the posts. You’ve heard the hype. You can’t wait any longer to see what can be done with WPF. Now what?
Install the runtime
First, you need to install the .NET 3.0 framework. This framework includes all the files your computer needs to run any .NET 2.0 or .NET 3.0 application. It shouldn’t take more than ten minutes or so to download the installer and install the updates. .NET 3.0 Redistributable Package: Free Download Here
As of November 2007 you can install the .NET 3.5 Framework too.
What can you view after you’ve install the .NET 3.0 framework?
- Self contained XAML files (*.xaml)
- Sometimes called loose xaml
- Double-click the xaml file and it runs in IE.
- XBAP application
- XBAPs are WPF applications that are compiled to run in IE.
- XBAP can be more complex than loose XAML files, example navigating through many XAML pages
- WPF exes. Normal .NET assemblies compiled into an EXE file
Creating WPF applications
If your a coder you probably can’t wait to starting coding WPF. You’ve probably seen a few intriguing WPF examples. Now you want to start splitting pixels and crafting 3D splines. You want to start writing your own code. What do you do?
Dev Tools
Developers need tools for creating applications. You can use notepad and the SDK and build applications or you can install the Visual Studio 2008 and have VS help you configure, layout and and compile your application. The UI designer in Visual Studio 2005 is very limited so don’t bother now that Visual Studio 2008 has shipped. I suggest you try the Expression Blend too. The Expression Blend UI designer interface is vastly better the the one in Visual Studio. The XAML editor in Visual Studio 2008 is better than the Expression Blend XAML editor though.
- .NET 3.0 Redistributable Package: Free Download Here
- Windows SDK: Free Download Here
- Visual Studio 2008: Free Download Here
- Expression Blend: Free Download
Walt
I just wanted to add that, on the list of Dev Tools, if you do want to take the plunge and see the latest and greatest version of the designer for WPF in Visual Studio (aka “Cider”), you can install the Visual Studio 2008 Beta bits – Beta 1 is currently available on MSDN:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/aa700831.aspx and Beta 2 will be released in the near future.
You’re correct that the older extensions for Visual Studio 2005 have not been refreshed for some time and will not be refreshed beyond their current very basic state.
Mark Wilson-Thomas
Program Manager, “Cider” Team
….and now you can get the Beta 2 release on MSDN too:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/aa700831.aspx
Mark
Hi! i’d like to share with you an interesting article on using WPF in visualization cartographical objects. Good article for developers of all levels. Here is a link.
http://techzone.enterra-inc.com/architecture/cartographical-objects-visualization-using-wpf/
Good luck! and many thanks for you blog!!!
Hey Ricki! Nice article! And I’ve noticed a new one – as a continue to your article. Just released today!!!! here’s direct link http://techzone.enterra-inc.com/architecture/algorythm-of-defining-plain-polygon-signature-point/
Groundbreaking!!!
Your link to the Windows SDK is broken. I see a lot of references to the SDK in my search for info on WPF. What exactly is in the SDK that I would like to have to develope WPF windows applications?
Thanks, SE