Professional VB 2005 with .NET 3.0 (Programmer to Programmer)

This material focused on the WPF libraries that were released in 2006. Still to come, as noted, are things such as Orcas and WPF/E. WPF/E is the concept discussed in the beginning of the chapter - namely, that the WPF and XAML declarations can be supported not only across application models (desktop, web, etc.) but across devices and operating systems. WPF/E is still in its infancy but it has the potential to continue the UI paradigm shift beyond Windows. Other important concepts you should take away from this chapter include the following:

• XAML is a declarative standard for defining your user interface.

• WPF-based applications leverage traditional programming languages such as Visual Basic.

• WPF separates the UI creator from the business logic developer.

• WPF has been released - unlike the tools for automating the production of WPF applications.

• Now is the time to start becoming familiar with XAML-based user interface programming; the tools aren’t fully ready, but you have a solid baseline from which to work.

• The new Expression design suite will expand on the creativity of design.

This chapter has focused on the WPF libraries within the context of building new applications. The question that is likely still echoing in your head is, what about my existing applications? Chapter 18 continues working with the WPF libraries, but looks at how to leverage WPF elements in an existing application.