This course introduces Windows Presentation Foundation or WPF, the .NET technology from Microsoft for building rich Windows applications. 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. The course is current to Visual Studio 2022 and.NET 8, which is an LTS (Long Term Support) version of .NET Core.

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, logical resources, dependency properties, routed events, and the loosely-coupled command architecture of WPF.

Although .NET Core is cross-platform, WPF uses Windows-specific features and thus will only run on Windows platforms.

The course is hands-on with many example programs and lab exercises.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Gain an understanding of 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
• Use more advanced features of WPF such as dependency properties, routed events, and logical resources