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
Table of Contents:
Figures xv Foreword by Don Box xxv Foreword by Chris Sells xxvii Preface xxix About the Author xxxix Chapter 1: Introduction 1 WPF as the New GUI 1
A Brief Look at the XAML Programming Model 11
A Tour of WPF 17
Tools for Building Applications 39
Where Are We? 41
Chapter 2: Applications 43 Application Principles 43
Application 52
Resources and Configuration 60
Windows 71
User Controls 80
Navigation and Pages 83
Hosting Applications in a Browser 103
Where Are We? 111
Chapter 3: Controls 113 Control Principles 113
Control Library 128
Building Blocks 161
Where Are We? 171
Chapter 4: Layout 173 Layout Principles 173
Layout Library 186
Grid 196
Writing a Custom Layout 207
Where Are We? 215
Chapter 5: Visuals 217 2D Graphics 218
3D Graphics 254
Documents and Text 267
Animation 283
Media 300
Where Are We? 305
Chapter 6: Data 307 Data Principles 307
Resources 310
Binding Basics 316
Binding to CLR Objects 322
Binding to XML 331
Data Templates 338
Advanced Binding 342
Data-Driven Display 357
Where Are We? 363
Chapter 7: Actions 365 Action Principles 365
Events 369
Commands 373
Triggers 383
Where Are We? 389
Chapter 8: Styles 391 Style Principles 391
Beginning Styles 397
Using Styles for Good, Not Evil 415
Where Are We? 419
Appendix: Base Services 421 Threading and Dispatchers 421
Properties 427
Keyboards, Mice, and Styluses 437
Where Are We? 442
Index 443
