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XAML in a Nutshell
When Microsoft releases Windows Vista, the new operating
system will support applications that employ graphics now
used by computer games--clear, stunning, and active. The
cornerstone for building these new user interfaces is XAML
("Zammel"), the XML-based markup language that works with
Windows Presentation Foundation
(WPF), Vista's new graphics
subsystem.
An acronym for Extensible Application Markup Language, XAML
offers a wealth of new controls and elements with exciting
capabilities, including animation and rendering of 3D
graphics. Windows developers are already jazzed by the
possibilities of using XAML for fixed and flow format
documents like PDF and HTML, 2D and 3D vector-based
graphics, form development, animation, audio and video,
transparent layering, and a lot more. Many feel that XAML
will eliminate the need for multiple file formats or
plug-ins (read: Flash), while lowering development costs and
reducing time to market.
The problem is, most developers don't know XAML. While it is
fairly easy to understand, you still need a quick guide to
bring you up to speed before Vista's release, and that's
where this book's simple, no nonsense approach comes in.
XAML in a Nutshell covers everything necessary to design
user interfaces and .NET applications that take advantage of
WPF. Prerequisites such as Microsoft's new unified build
system, MSBuild, and core XAML constructs and
syntax--including shortcuts--are all presented with plenty
of examples to get you started. The Core XAML Reference
section lets you dig even deeper into syntax rules and
attributes for all XAML elements with a series of
quick-reference chapters. This section divides XAML elements
into logical categories of elements, controls, shapes and
geometry, layout, animations, and transformations for easy
reference.
XAML in a Nutshell helps you learn, firsthand, how to use
this XML-based markup language to implement the new
generation of user interface graphics. As one reviewer
noted, "Strong code examples and an efficient,
conversational style take the tedium out of learning XAML
and make the subject understandable--even interesting."
Chapter 1
Preface
I. Introducing XAML
1. Introducing XAML
The Benefits of XAML
What XAML Is Not
XAML Development Resources
2. Getting Started with XAML
XAML Prerequisites
Defining XAML Applications
Building XAML Applications
XAML Applications and Visual Studio
II. XAML Concepts
3. The Basics of XAML
Core XAML Syntax
Elements
Attributes
Attached Properties
Binding Properties
codebehind
4. Layout and Positioning
StackPanel and DockPanel
Using Width and Alignment
Margins and Padding
Grid
Absolute Positioning
5. Resources
Using Resources
Using Styles
Triggers
6. Storyboards and Animations
Storyboards
Controlling Animations
Animation Using Key Frames
III. Core XAML Reference
7. Elements
8. Controls
Base Control Reference
Common Event Reference
Core Control Reference
9. Shapes and Geometry
10. Layout
11. Animations and Transformations
12. Events
Routing Strategies
Event Argument Reference
Event Reference
IV. Appendixes
A. System.Windows.Controls
B. System.Windows.Documents
C. System.Windows.Shapes
D. System.Windows
E. System.Windows.Media
F. System.Windows.Input.ApplicationCommands
G. Predefined Colors
H. XAML Interface in Code
Index
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