XAML in a Nutshell

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XAML in a Nutshell

By Lori A. MacVittie

Publisher: O'Reilly Media

Released: March 2006

Pages: 304

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."

Introducing XAML
1. Chapter 1 Introducing XAML
  1. The Benefits of XAML
  2. What XAML Is Not
  3. XAML Development Resources
2. Chapter 2 Getting Started with XAML
  1. XAML Prerequisites
  2. Defining XAML Applications
  3. Building XAML Applications
  4. XAML Applications and Visual Studio
XAML Concepts
1. Chapter 3 The Basics of XAML
  1. Core XAML Syntax
  2. Elements
  3. Attributes
  4. Attached Properties
  5. Binding Properties
  6. codebehind
2. Chapter 4 Layout and Positioning
  1. StackPanel and DockPanel
  2. Using Width and Alignment
  3. Margins and Padding
  4. Grid
  5. Absolute Positioning
3. Chapter 5 Resources
  1. Using Resources
  2. Using Styles
  3. Triggers
4. Chapter 6 Storyboards and Animations
  1. Storyboards
  2. Controlling Animations
  3. Animation Using Key Frames
Core XAML Reference
1. Chapter 7 Elements
2. Chapter 8 Controls
  1. Base Control Reference
  2. Common Event Reference
  3. Core Control Reference
3. Chapter 9 Shapes and Geometry
4. Chapter 10 Layout
5. Chapter 11 Animations and Transformations
6. Chapter 12 Events
  1. Routing Strategies
  2. Event Argument Reference
  3. Event Reference
Appendixes
1. Appendix A System.Windows.Controls
2. Appendix B System.Windows.Documents
3. Appendix C System.Windows.Shapes
4. Appendix D System.Windows
5. Appendix E System.Windows.Media
6. Appendix F System.Windows.Input.ApplicationCommands
7. Appendix G Predefined Colors
8. Appendix H XAML Interface in Code

About the Author
Colophon

Title:

XAML in a Nutshell

By:

Lori A. MacVittie

Publisher:

O'Reilly Media

Formats:

Print
Ebook
Safari Books Online

Print:

March 2006

Ebook:

June 2009

Pages:

304

Print ISBN:

978-0-596-52673-3

| ISBN 10:

0-596-52673-3

Ebook ISBN:

978-0-596-55860-4

| ISBN 10:

0-596-55860-0

Description

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oreilly XAML in a Nutshell

4.0

(based on 2 reviews)

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Displaying reviews 1-2

8/16/2007

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

A good Reference Book

By Jesse Network Consultant

from Undisclosed

Comments about oreilly XAML in a Nutshell:

Even before I received the book, I knew that an O'Reilly Nutshell book would be small, concise and without excess verbage. O'Reilly books, in general, fit what I call the "UNIX Mentality", that is I'm an expert if you want me to answer your question or talk to you then you must already be an expert too.

XAML in a Nutshell fits the above description!

Of the 271 pages (not counting index and prefix) 88 are reserved to explaining XAML, the remainder are reference material describing Elements, Controls, and Shapes & Geometry. 88 pages of teaching is not very much! Especially for a beginner

I provide support to Graphic Artists in developing web pages. When they call me, it is usually because something is not working and they need me to compare what they wanted to what the program actually did. For Example: 8 text boxes all should have blue backgrounds, why is Dreamweaver making one of them pink? After reading this book I don't feel equipped to provide assistance with XAML.

Rating:

As a Reference book: 4 of 5 stars

As a Learning book: 2 of 5 stars

To a Graphic Artist: 0 of 5 stars

10/12/2006

4.0

Well written Book

By Don Baechtel

from Undisclosed

Comments about oreilly XAML in a Nutshell:

This is a well written book, good organization and includes many useful code examples. Very helpful with my work using Microsoft's Expression Interactive Designer. It clears up many of the mysteries of XAML and provides a definitive reference on the topic. Well worth the price.

It would be better if it included samples and tools on CD or provided these online.

I would have liked to seen more of the author's work using XAML to create example applications or reusable intelligent controls and code fragments.

Displaying reviews 1-2

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Introducing XAML

Chapter 1 Introducing XAML

Chapter 2 Getting Started with XAML

XAML Concepts

Chapter 3 The Basics of XAML

Chapter 4 Layout and Positioning

Chapter 5 Resources

Chapter 6 Storyboards and Animations

Core XAML Reference

Chapter 7 Elements

Chapter 8 Controls

Chapter 9 Shapes and Geometry

Chapter 10 Layout

Chapter 11 Animations and Transformations

Chapter 12 Events

Appendixes

Appendix A System.Windows.Controls

Appendix B System.Windows.Documents

Appendix C System.Windows.Shapes

Appendix D System.Windows

Appendix E System.Windows.Media

Appendix F System.Windows.Input.ApplicationCommands

Appendix G Predefined Colors

Appendix H XAML Interface in Code

About the Author

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Lori A. MacVittie

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