Introduction to Windows Presentation Foundation Using C# (VS 2005)

This course introduces Windows Presentation Foundation or WPF (Avalon), the new .NET technology from Microsoft for building rich Windows applications. It is part of .NET 3.0, previously called WinFX by Microsoft. WPF includes an XML-based markup language for defining program elements, Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML). WPF applications can be created using only code or a combination of code and XAML pages. This course covers the essentials of WPF, providing an orientation to this technology and a firm foundation for creating applications.

WPF is a complex technology that can have a steep learning curve. This course approaches the subject in a practical manner, introducing the student to the fundamentals of creating Windows applications using the features of WPF. It includes coverage of both traditional concepts such as controls and new concepts such as XAML, flexible layout, and the loosely-coupled command architecture of WPF. The course is hands-on with many example programs and lab exercises.

A working knowledge of C# and the .NET Framework

On completion of this course, the student should be able to

• Understand the philosophy and architecture of WPF
• Create Windows applications using the classes provided by WPF
• Understand the principles of XAML and create applications using a combination of code and XAML
• Use the layout features of WPF to create flexible and attractive user interfaces
• Implement event and command-driven applications with windows, menus, dialogs, toolbars and other common user interface features

3 Days

Instructor-led course, with practical computer-based exercises.

• 1. Introduction to WPF
  • Why WPF?
  • What Is WPF?
  • .NET Framework 3.0 (WinFX)
  • WPF Overview
  • Application and Window
  • A Simple WPF Application
  • Using Visual Studio
  • Brushes
  • Panels

• 2. WPF Controls
  • Button
  • Label
  • TextBox
  • ToolTip
  • RadioButton
  • CheckBox
  • ListBox
  • ComboBox

• 3. XAML
  • Role of XAML
  • Elements and Attributes
  • Namespaces
  • Property Elements
  • Type Converters
  • Content Property
  • Collections
  • XAML and Procedural Code

• 4. Layout
  • Sizing
  • Positioning
  • Transforms
  • StackPanel
  • WrapPanel
  • DockPanel
  • Grid
  • Scrolling
  • Scaling

• 5. Dialogs
  • Message Boxes
  • Win32 Common Dialogs
  • Custom Modal Dialogs
  • Custom Modeless Dialogs

• 6. Menus and Commands
  • Menus
  • Context Menus
  • Icons on Menu Items
  • Commands
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
  • Disabling Menu Items
  • Checking Menu Items

• 7. Toolbars and Status Bars
  • Toolbars
  • Toolbars and Commands
  • Status Bars

• Appendix A. Learning Resources

The following software is required:

· A version of Windows that supports the .NET Framework 3.0. This includes Windows XP with Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista.

· The .NET Framework 3.0.

· Visual Studio 2005

· Visual Studio extensions for .NET Framework 3.0

A good minimal hardware profile for this course would have a 1 GHz or better CPU, 512 MB of RAM, and at least 4 GB of free disk space for tools installation and courseware.

See the appropriate course Setup Guide for details.