About this course
In this course students will learn essential programming skills and techniques that are required to develop Windows Store apps. This includes a combination of both design and development skills, as well as ensuring that students are comfortable using and making the most of the Microsoft Visual Studio and Expression Blend tools.
In this course students will learn essential programming skills and techniques that are required to develop Windows Store apps. This includes a combination of both design and development skills, as well as ensuring that students are comfortable using and making the most of the Microsoft Visual Studio and Expression Blend tools.
Audience profile
This course is intended for professional developers who have 1 to 2 years of experience creating client applications and who are comfortable programming in C# and have done some XAML-based programming.
Prerequisites
Before attending this course, students must have:
- 1 or more years of experience creating applications
- 1 to 3 months experience creating Windows client applications
- 1 to 3 months experience using Visual Studio 2010 or 2012
- Attended Course 20483C: Programming in C#, or equivalent knowledge
Course Outline (click for details)
Module 1: Overview of the Windows 8.1 Platform and Windows StoreApps
This module introduces you to the Windows 8.1 user experience and features, Windows Store apps, and the new user interface. Understanding how Windows Store apps look and operate is key to understanding the principles you will use to develop your own Windows Store apps, and thus making your apps more intuitive, compelling, and useful.
Lessons
- Introduction to the Windows 8.1 Platform
- Windows 8.1 UI Principles
- WinRT and Language Projections
Lab : Overview of the Windows 8.1 Platform and Windows Store Apps
After completing this module, students will be able to:
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Describe the Windows 8.1 platform, architecture, and features.
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Explain the basics of the Windows 8.1 UI and Windows Store app experience and how the experience differs from Windows desktop apps.
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Explain the new API model, how it supports building Windows Store apps, and how it supports multiple language-specific projections.
Module 2: Creating User Interfaces Using XAML
In this module you will learn about the basic principles behind XAML, you will learn how to use XAML and the corresponding code-behind to create a responsive UI. you will also learn how dynamic and complex user interfaces are developed by using advanced features of XAML.
Lessons
- XAML Basics
- XAML Code-Behind
- Advanced XAML
Lab : Creating User Interfaces by Using XAML
After completing this module, students will be able to:
-
Describe the basic principles behind XAML.
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Use XAML and the corresponding code-behind to create a responsive UI.
- Understand how dynamic and complex UIs are developed by using advanced features of XAML.
Module 3: Presenting Data
This module explains how to ensure that your app supports various devices and screen orientations.
Lessons
- Working with Data Presentation Controls
- The GridView Control
Lab : Presenting Data
After completing this module, students will be able to:
-
Explain the different ways in which data can be displayed in Windows Store apps.
- Use the GridView control to present groups of data in a dynamic and flexible view.
Module 4: Implementing Layout Using Windows 8.1 Built-In Controls
In this module, you will learn how by using the built-in controls and recommended methods, you can create intuitive apps that employ the common Windows 8.1 UI patterns across a variety of devices, with different form factors, and different input methods.
Lessons
- WinRT Controls
- AppBar Control
- Windowing Modes
Lab : Implementing Layout by Using Built-In Controls in Windows 8.1
After completing this module, students will be able to:
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Describe the WinRT library and controls.
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Describe the app bar and explain the app bar functionality.
- Describe how to create views with an adaptive layout, and explain the best practices.
Module 5: Handling Files in Windows Store Apps
In this module you will learn how to use files, streams, and pickers so that the user can store and retrieve information managed by your app.
Lessons
- Handling Files and Streams in Windows Store Apps
- Working with File User Interface Components
Lab : Handling Files in Windows Store Apps
After completing this module, students will be able to:
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Work with files and streams by using WinRT.
- Use WinRT pickers to display a UI that lets the user select an item, such as a file or a contract.
Module 6: Windows Store App Process Lifetime Management
This module covers the app life cycle, app state management, and various app activation states. Understanding PLM is important for properly persisting data across suspensions, recovering from termination, and sharing settings between app installations on multiple devices.
Lessons
- Process Lifetime Management
- Windows Store App Activation and Background Tasks
- Implementing a State Management Strategy
Lab : Windows Store App Process Lifetime Management
After completing this module, students will be able to:
-
Describe the various states of a Windows Store app.
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Describe app activation modes.
- Implement app state management.
Module 7: Working with Resources, Styles, and Templates
In this module you will learn how to use resources, styles and templates.
Lessons
- Creating Shared Resources
- Creating Styles and Templates
Lab : Working with Styles and Templates
After completing this module, students will be able to:
-
Create shared resources, which can be reused across multiple UI elements.
- Create custom styles and templates, to provide a consistent look for your app.
Module 8: Designing and Implementing Navigation in a Windows Store app
In this module you will learn how to design and implement navigation in a Windows Store app. you will also learn how to implement semantic zoom in a Windows Store app.
Lessons
- Handling Navigation in Windows Store apps
- Semantic Zoom
Lab : Designing and Implementing Navigation in a Windows Store App
After completing this module, students will be able to:
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Implement navigation and pass data between pages in your apps.
- Explain the purpose and functionality of Semantic Zoom in a Windows Store app.
Module 9: Implementing Windows 8.1 Contracts
This module introduces contracts and charms. These are two new Windows 8.1 features you can use to create a consistent and unified experience across Windows Store apps. By using contracts, you can make it easier for users to search for the content of your app, to discover and modify common settings, and to share data with other apps.
Lessons
- Designing for Charms and Contracts
- The Search Contract and the SearchBox Control
- The Share Contract
- Managing App Settings
Lab : Implementing Windows 8.1 Contracts
After completing this module, students will be able to:
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Design apps to use charms and contracts.
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Implement the Search contract.
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Implement the Share Target and Share Source contracts.
- Describe the Settings pane and add settings commands.
Module 10: Implementing Tiles and User Notifications
In this module you will learn how to implement tiles and user notifications.
Lessons
- Implementing Tiles, Live Tiles, Secondary Tiles, and Badge Notifications
- Implementing Toast Notifications
Lab : Implementing Tiles and User Notifications
After completing this module, students will be able to:
-
Implement tiles, live tiles, and secondary tiles that draw the user back to your app.
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Implement toast notifications to display important information.
Module 11: Designing and Implementing a Data Access Strategy
This module describes the various data access strategies that you can use in app development, and it specifically focuses on the best practices for remote storage.
Lessons
- Evaluating Data Access Strategies
- Working with Remote Data
Lab : Designing and Implementing a Data Access Strategy
After completing this module, students will be able to:
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Describe various data access strategies and when to apply them.
- Describe common use cases that occur while working with remote data.
Module 12: Responding to Mouse and Touch
In this module, you will learn how to successfully include all the three interaction types in Windows Store apps
Lessons
- Working with Pointer Events
- Working with Gesture Events
Lab : Responding to Mouse and Touch
After completing this module, students will be able to:
-
Describe mouse events and touch gestures in Windows 8.1.
- Identify the best practices for handling gestures.
Module 13: Planning for Windows Store App Deployment
In this module, you will learn about the process of preparing and submitting a Windows Store app to the Windows Store. This includes changes to the app manifest, passing app certification, meeting Windows Store app certification requirements, and using Windows Store-related tools in Visual Studio 2013. Finally, you will learn how to submit apps to the Windows Store and a private enterprise store.
Lessons
- The Windows Store App Manifest
- Windows Store App Certification
After completing this module, students will be able to:
-
Change the package manifest of an app to meet the requirements for deploying to the Windows Store.
- Deploy an app to the Windows Store and prepare an app for enterprise deployment.
Additional information:
References (click to see)
20484
Authentication
- WebAuthenticationBroker class – Windows app development
- Windows Store apps and the Authentication Broker – CodeProject
- Single Sign On with OAuth in Windows Store Apps – Wintellect DevCenter
Certification Process
- Windows Store Policies – Windows app development
- The Fast Lane for App Certification: 12 Windows Store Certification Tips | Building Apps for Windows
- 5 tips to get your apps certified quickly – Windows Store for developers – Site Home – MSDN Blogs
- Windows App Certification Kit tests – Windows app development
- Windows App Certification Kit – Windows app development
- The app certification process – Windows app development
Data Access & DB
- Modern Apps – Data Access and Storage Options in Windows Store Apps
- How to access data from SQL Server database in Windows Store app sample in C#, C++, JavaScript for Visual Studio 2013
- Accessing WCF Services with a Windows Store Client App
- c# – Which local database is suitable for Windows 8 Store Apps? – Stack Overflow
- Using database in Windows Store apps (I) – Windows Store apps development support – Site Home – MSDN Blogs
- Connect Windows Store Apps to SQL Server Database Using WCF
Glyphs
- Guidelines for Segoe MDL2 icons – Windows app development
- Jerry Nixon on Windows: Windows 8: 1,000 Metro icons you already have installed
Maps
- Bing Maps SDK for Windows 8.1 Store apps extension
- Getting started with Bing Maps for Windows Store apps
- Add a map to your app—ArcGIS Runtime SDK for .NET | ArcGIS for Developers
- How to use the Google Maps API on Windows 8 | CreepyEd's Tech-cellent Adventure
Misc
- My Take on HTML/JS vs. C#/XAML vs. C++/DirectX (choosing a language for a Windows Store app) | kraig brockschmidt
- What to Choose between XAML and JavaScript for Windows Store apps development. – CodeProject
- Does it give performance or accessibility benefit when one prefer to use JavaScript over C# for writing a Windows8 app? – Stack Overflow
- html5 – Are Windows 8 XAML-based apps noticeably faster than HTML/CSS ones? – Stack Overflow
- Cancel Async Tasks after a Period of Time (C# and Visual Basic)
- Porting a WPF application to Windows8
- Learn how to develop Windows Store apps – free ebook
- Universal Apps Will Be Branded as Windows Apps – Thurrott.com
- PDF Viewing Components for Windows Store apps (WinRT) (XAML/C#) – Paul's MCS Developer Blog – Site Home – MSDN Blogs
- Windows 8 PDF viewer showcase sample in C#, C++, JavaScript for Visual Studio 2013
- Android Studio Overview | Android Developers
- iOS Tutorial: How To Create A Simple iPhone App: Part 1/3
- Android – Ray Wenderlich
- File Download – CodeProject
- Making apps for Windows 8 Part II : Little Notes sample – CodeProject
- Windows 8 Tile Update every minute sample in C# for Visual Studio 2012
- Bing Maps for Windows Store Apps
- Create an app with Bing Maps (for Windows 8)
- Managing application data – Techveze.com
- GridViewItemPresenter class – Windows app development
- Create XML File Programmatically in Windows Store Apps Using C#
- XmlReader Class (System.Xml)
- ApplicationData.RoamingSettings | roamingSettings property – Windows app development
Release Management
- Download Release Management for Visual Studio 2015 from Official Microsoft Download Center
- Visual Studio Release Management | Microsoft Virtual Academy
- How to Update Store Apps on Windows 8.1
- Publish Windows apps – Windows app development
- Package version numbering – Windows app development
- Guidance for app package management – Windows app development
- Windows Store Developers Can Set Their App's Release Time
- Metro Database Access through LINQ and ADO.NET