(by 3 people)
XAML (short for Extensible Application Markup Language, and pronounced "Zammel") is the user interface markup language for the Windows Presentation Foundation, which is one of the "pillars" of the WinFX API. XAML is a declarative XML-based language optimized for describing graphically rich visual user interfaces, such as those created by Macromedia Flash. XUL and UIML are other examples of XML-based user interface languages. SVG is another language proposed by W3C supporting graphics, animations, embedded media, events and scripted behavior which could be used as an XML-based user interface language.
Feedback
Ok, Squidoo has been up for over half a year now, and still has very large limitations in UI design and format. I'll continue to play with new and better ways of organizing the content to play within their restrictions, but as always, keep those suggestions coming. Send me some feedback on how you'd like the lens organized.
News
Recent happenings with XAML
Fireworks to XAML exporter - 7/13/2006
New Infragistics Exporter
June CTP - "Element Services" Team's Contributions - July 10, 2006
Hardware accelerated layers, and layered windows without PInvoke calls!
New WPF Community Site
New WinFX community sites up!
iBloks
iBloks 3-D personalized entertainment demo
When to use WPF and when to use other technologies
What technology should you use to capture video? How can you get GDI/GDI+ and WPF to work together effectively?
A Standards-based Look at XAML's Features
Includes easy to read charts with comparisons to other languages/specifications that share similar functionality.
WPF/E (Windows Presentation Foundation Everywhere)
Microsoft's new subset of Avalon a Flash-killer? Quick thoughts - since the performance will run slower on non-windows platforms, seems like this will have the same limitations that early Java ran into.
Vista Announcement Blog
The Microsoft Vista Connections Blog
Start Me Up
Getting your computer ready for XAML graphics
1. You need to download the latest WinFX Runtime Components from Microsoft. Here's a link to the February 06 release.
Go-Live for WCF and WF
2. Once you've downloaded the Runtime, you're good to go - if you just want to look at the graphics. But we want more than that, we actually want to build a fully functional application, so we also need the software development kit (SDK). Here's a link to the February 06 CTP release of the SDK.
3. optional If you have Visual Studio and wish to integrate XAML development into it, here's a link to the "Orcas" CTP development tools for WinFX? (aka Fidalgo).
also optional If you want to work with Windows Workflow (WF) inside Visual Studio, here are the necessary VS Extensions.
4. WinFX RC February CTP "Readme"
Troubleshooting Installation Issues
Namespace Options
Avalon 2005 Schema (default)
2003 Schema
Go-Live for WCF and WF
2. Once you've downloaded the Runtime, you're good to go - if you just want to look at the graphics. But we want more than that, we actually want to build a fully functional application, so we also need the software development kit (SDK). Here's a link to the February 06 CTP release of the SDK.
3. optional If you have Visual Studio and wish to integrate XAML development into it, here's a link to the "Orcas" CTP development tools for WinFX? (aka Fidalgo).
also optional If you want to work with Windows Workflow (WF) inside Visual Studio, here are the necessary VS Extensions.
4. WinFX RC February CTP "Readme"
Troubleshooting Installation Issues
Namespace Options
Avalon 2005 Schema (default)
2003 Schema
Suggested Sites
- XAML Overview
- Microsoft's MSDN XAML site.
- Search XAML
- Search XAML on IceRocket.com, Google, Wikipedia
- XAML Chick
- Ani Babaian's a developer evangelist. Recently started the XAML Chick blog - check it out.
- XAML for Developers
- MSDN coverage on the basics of XAML from a .NET developer's perspective.
- XAML Developers Group
- The XAML Developers Group is a list to ask questions or share tips and tricks about XAML (eXtensible Application Markup Language).
- VG.net
- Animated Vector Graphics
- BlenderArt
- Bi-monthly Digital Magazine/Newsletter for graphics professionals focused on Blender.
- Windows Presentation Foundation Community
- Microsoft .NET Framework community site for WPF.
Technical Articles
- Xaml Format Overview
- With all the new Xaml formats coming out, Rob Relyea tries to explain what each format is used for.
- MSDN "Vista for Developers"
- Controls and XAML technical article from MSDN.
- Binding in XAML
- Nice demo on how to implement databinding with XAML.
- WPF Hands on Labs
- Twelve New WPF Hands-On Labs Available for Download
- ListBox Templates
- Recent article covering XAML Templates in WPF.
- How to host XAML inside a user control
- Quick howto on hosting XAML inside your current web app.
- XAML PropertyTriggers
- Tutorial showing XAML interactive features without script.
- Command Pattern in WPF
- Learn how to implement the Command Pattern in WPF.
- The various levels of WPF graphics
- Good article on how to use the right WPF graphics level for your needs.
Code Samples
- Demo Screencasts
- Screencasts for XamlPad, how to add video, adding custom fonts, and using Visual Studio and Expression for the base application UI.
- "Life" game with XAML
- "Game of Life" video game written completely in XAML - complete with Source Code. (From OdetoCode.com)
- Traffic Alert App
- 2 part demo. Part II here
- Flickr Browser example
- This is the source code and executable for the Flickr Browser shown in this Channel 9 Video on Interactive Designer.
Also, the video shows some custom controls developed by Pete Blois.
SmoothMove
WrapPanelZ - XAML button animation
- Short snippet of XAML...
- Chromeless Clock
- Code sample on creating non-rectangular windows. Writeup can be found here
XAML Book Suggestions
XAML in a Nutshell (In a Nutshell (O'Reilly))
Solid reference book in typical O'Reilly Nutshell fashion.
Amazon Price: $19.79 (as of 07/26/2008)
Used Price: $7.10
Usually ships in 24 hours
Programming Windows Presentation Foundation (Programming)
More heavily focussed on the XAML backend programming.
Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 07/26/2008)
Used Price: $3.19
Usually ships in 24 hours
Presenting Windows Workflow Foundation
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 07/26/2008)
Used Price: $2.65
In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served.
Xaml Software
Aurora
Beta 8.4 with VS2005 integration
Blender free 3D tool to get beyond the geometric limitations in WPF.
Expression Microsoft's collection of XAML tools.
Interactive Designer Mar CTP
Graphic Designer Mar CTP
Xamlon
YAFRAY - ray tracer
OPEN SOURCE PROJECTS
3D Tools Workspace
SVG2XAML
CONVERTERS
ZAM 3D - 3DS to XAML and dxf to XAML.
Maya To XAML - Maya files to XAML [models and textures only]
Xaml Export Script for Blender - Blender to XAML [models and textures only]
Online Converter from 3ds to XAML - 3DS to XAML
Adobe Fireworks to WPF/XAML Exporter
Daniel Lehenbauer's Blog
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