The Microsoft Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) blends application user interface, documents, and media content to provide richer control, design, and development of the visual aspects of Windows programs. In this book, author Matthew MacDonald shows you how WPF really works. His no-nonsense, practical advice will get you quickly and easily building high-quality WPF applications. MacDonald takes you through a thorough investigation of the more advanced aspects of WPF, and its relation to other elements of the WinFX stack and the .NET Framework 3.5, to complete your understanding of WPF and C# 2008.

If you want to build applications that take full advantage of Windows Vista's new user interface capabilities, you need to learn Microsoft's Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). This new edition, fully updated for the official release of .NET 3.0, is designed to get you up to speed on this technology quickly. By page 2, you'll be writing a simple WPF application. By the end of Chapter 1, you'll have taken a complete tour of WPF and its major elements. WPF is the new presentation framework for Windows Vista that also works with Windows XP. It's a cornucopia of new technologies, which includes a new graphics engine that supports 3-D graphics, animation, and more; an XML-based markup language, called XAML, for declaring the structure of your Windows UI; and a radical new model for controls. This second edition includes new chapters on printing, XPS, 3-D, navigation, text and documents, along with a new appendix that covers Microsoft's new WPF/E platform for delivering richer UI through standard web browsers -- much like Adobe Flash. Content from the first edition has been significantly expanded and modified. Programming WPF includes: Scores of C# and XAML examples that show you what it takes to get a WPF application up and running, from a simple "Hello, Avalon" program to a tic-tac-toe game Insightful discussions of the powerful new programming styles that WPF brings to Windows development, especially its new model for controls A color insert to better illustrate WPF support for 3-D, color, and other graphics effects A tutorial on XAML, the new HTML-like markup language for declaring Windows UI An explanation and comparison of the features that support interoperability with Windows Forms and other Windows legacy applications WPF represents the best of the control-based Windows world and the content-based web world. Programming WPF helps you bring it all together.

The #1 WPF Book--Now Updated for WPF 4.5! Thorough, authoritative coverage, practical examples, clear writing, and full-color presentation make this one of the most widely acclaimed programming books of the last decade. Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) is the recommended technology for creating modern Windows desktop apps. Whether you want to develop traditional user interfaces or integrate 3D graphics, audio/video, animation, dynamic skinning, touch, rich document support, speech recognition, or more, WPF enables you to do so in a seamless, resolution-independent manner that scales from small tablets to large TVs. WPF 4.5 Unleashed is the authoritative book that covers it all, in a practical and approachable fashion, authored by WPF guru and Microsoft architect Adam Nathan. Covers everything you need to know about Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML) Examines the WPF feature areas in incredible depth: controls, layout, resources, data binding, styling, graphics, animation, and more Delves into topics that aren’t covered by most books: 3D, speech, audio/video, documents, effects Shows how to create popular UI elements and leverage built-in controls such as the new Office-style Ribbon Demonstrates how to create sophisticated UI mechanisms, such as Visual Studio-like collapsible/dockable panes Explains how to create first-class custom controls for WPF Demonstrates how to create hybrid WPF software that leverages Windows Forms, DirectX, ActiveX, or other non-WPF technologies Explains how to exploit desktop features, such as Jump Lists and taskbar customizations, and the same toast notifications used by Windows Store apps

This book explains how WPF works from the ground up. It goes deep into the core of the technology in 800 pages of content-rich explanation. It will be one of the first books available on the topic, and also one of the most detailed. The book follows on from the author’s previous, and highly successful books, covering Windows Forms (WPF's predecessor technology) and earlier versions of WPF. It provides a one-stop shop in Apress’ proven ‘Pro’ style that leaves readers with a deep understanding of the technology and able to take the concepts away and apply them for themselves.

Printed entirely in color, with helpful figures and syntax coloring to make code samples appear as they do in Visual Studio. Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) is a key component of the .NET Framework 3.0, giving you the power to create richer and more compelling applications than you dreamed possible. Whether you want to develop traditional user interfaces or integrate 3D graphics, audio/video, animation, dynamic skinning, rich document support, speech recognition, or more, WPF enables you to do so in a seamless, resolution-independent manner. Windows Presentation Foundation Unleashed is the authoritative book that covers it all, in a practical and approachable fashion, authored by .NET guru and Microsoft developer Adam Nathan. · Covers everything you need to know about Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML) · Examines the WPF feature areas in incredible depth: controls, layout, resources, data binding, styling, graphics, animation, and more · Features a chapter on 3D graphics by Daniel Lehenbauer, lead developer responsible for WPF 3D · Delves into non-mainstream topics: speech, audio/video, documents, bitmap effects, and more · Shows how to create popular UI elements, such as features introduced in the 2007 Microsoft Office System: Galleries, ScreenTips, custom control layouts, and more · Demonstrates how to create sophisticated UI mechanisms, such as Visual Studio-like collapsible/dockable panes · Explains how to develop and deploy all types of applications, including navigation-based applications, applications hosted in a Web browser, and applications with great-looking non-rectangular windows · Explains how to create first-class custom controls for WPF · Demonstrates how to create hybrid WPF software that leverages Windows Forms, ActiveX, or other non-WPF technologies · Explains how to exploit new Windows Vista features in WPF applications

.NET 3.5 is Microsoft’s largest development software launch since .NET 2.0 and (unlike .NET 3.0) completely replaces all previous .NET versions. A new version of Visual Studio – Visual Studio ‘Orcas’ is being created for the new Framework together with new versions of both the C# and Visual Basic languages. This book deals with this new C# language and provides developers with a complete treatise on the new technology – explaining the importance of all the new features (lambda expressions, LINQ, ASP.NET AJAX, WPF everywhere) and how they integrate into the framework of the previous .NET versions. It is a comprehensively revised and updated version of the author’s previous award-winning titles.

Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) replaces Microsoft’s diverse presentation technologies with a unified, state-of-the-art platform for building rich applications. WPF combines the best of Windows and the Web; fully integrates user interfaces, documents, and media; and leverages the full power of XML-based declarative programming. In Essential Windows Presentation Foundation, former WPF architect Chris Anderson systematically introduces this breakthrough platform, focusing on the concepts and techniques working developers need in order to build robust applications for real users. Drawing on his unique experience as an architect on the team, Anderson thoroughly illuminates the crucial new concepts underlying WPF and reveals how its APIs work together to offer developers unprecedented value. Through working sample code, you’ll discover how WPF draws on the Web’s simple models for markup and deployment, common frame for applications, and rich server connectivity, and on Windows’ rich client model, simple programming model, strong control over look-and-feel, and rich networking. Topics explored in depth include WPF components and architecture Key WPF design decisions–and why they matter XAML markup language Controls Layouts Visuals and media, including 2D, 3D, video, and animation Data integration Actions Styles WPF Base Services

* Completely up to date with the ASP.NET 2.0 technology and demonstrates the new best-practices and coding styles that it requires * Focuses on developer’s needs, explaining the technology in a manner applicable to development projects * Provides comprehensive coverage of ASP.NET 2.0 (with C# .NET 2.0), providing thorough understanding of the subject area

Printed entirely in color, with helpful figures and syntax coloring to make code samples appear as they do in Visual Studio. In just 24 sessions of one hour or less, you will be able to begin effectively using WPF to solve real-world problems, developing rich user interfaces in less time than you thought possible. Using a straightforward, step-by-step approach, each lesson builds on a real-world foundation forged in both technology and business matters, allowing you to learn the essentials of WPF from the ground up. Step-by-step instructions carefully walk you through the most common questions, issues, and tasks. The Q&A sections, quizzes, and exercises help you build and test your knowledge. By the Way notes present interesting pieces of information. Did You Know? tips offer advice or teach an easier way to do something. Watch Out! cautions advise you about potential problems and help you steer clear of disaster. Learn how to... Use XAML to build user interfaces Leverage data binding to minimize tedious code Create visually engaging applications Architect and design WPF applications using proven patterns such as MVP Incorporate audio and video into your applications Customize controls with styles, templates, and animation Apply best practices for developing software with WPF Deploy WPF applications to the desktop and Web Take advantage of WPF''s advanced printing capabilities Grow as a developer by improving your overall software design skills Introduction 1 Part I Getting Started 1 What WPF Is and Isn''t 5 2 Understanding XAML 17 3 Introducing the Font Viewer 27 4 Handling Application Layout 41 5 Using Basic Controls 59 6 Introducing Data Binding 75 Part II Reaching the User 7 Designing an Application 93 8 Building a Text Document Editor 107 9 Getting a Handle on Events 121 10 Commands 145 11 Output 157 Part III Visualizing Data 12 Building a Contact Manager 177 13 Presenters and Views 193 14 Resources and Styles 211 15 Digging Deeper into Data Binding 229 16 Visualizing Lists 251 Part IV Creating Rich Experiences 17 Building a Media Viewer 267 18 Drawing with Shapes 291 19 Colors and Brushes 315 20 Transforms and Effects 331 21 Using Control Templates 347 22 Triggers 369 23 Animation 383 24 Best Practices 407 Part V Appendixes Appendix A: Tools and Resources 423 Appendix B: 3D Tutorial Using ZAM 3D 427 Appendix C: Project Source (downloadable) 437 Index 439

Now more than ever, Windows applications have to work well and look good. Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Microsoft's new user interface framework, gives you the ability to create stunning graphics, rich interactions, and highly-usable Windows applications. WPF is the API beneath Windows Vista interfaces, and it's also available for older versions of Windows. Up to this point, it has only been possible to build WPF applications manually, mainly by hand-coding in XAML-WPF's declarative XML-based markup language. The soon-to-be-released Visual Studio 2008 provides the full set of developer tools you need to take advantage of this exciting technology. The combination of WPF and Visual Studio 2008 represents the start of the next generation of Windows applications. Hand-coding XAML is fine if you're an early adopter, but to put WPF into production, you need to master the tools and application styles you'll use in your day job. WPF In Action focuses on WPF development using Visual Studio 2008 and other available tools.. The book starts with thorough coverage of the basics-layouts, styles, resources, and themes. It then takes you through several real-world scenarios, exploring common challenges and application-types. You'll build several sample applications, ranging from a simple calculator to a typical line-of-business application. Along the way, you'll add graphical elements, animation, and support for printing, accessibility, and other standard functionality. Written in a witty, engaging style, WPF In Action can be read cover-to-cover or used to reference specific problems and issues. The approach is practical and always focused on how you'll use WPF in real development scenarios. You'll learn how to handle the many new issues presented by the extreme flexibility of WPF. The authors also provide numerous tips and suggestions for how to work efficiently. Purchase of the print book comes with an offer of a free PDF, ePub, and Kindle eBook from Manning. Also available is all code from the book.