Conceptual differences in WPF over WinForms and ASP.NET

by mheydt 11. March 2008 17:08 >
I’m starting to work on a presentation to people where I work about the differences in WPF versus WinForms and ASP.NET. I quick summary yields these which I’ll elaborate on later:
  • XAML to declaratively define interfaces and code
  • GDI+ Replaced with DirectX
  • Vector graphics model based on Direct3D
  • Floating point logical pixel system and 32-bit ARGB colors
  • All layout is based upon device independent pixel model and units can be spcified in px (1/96/in), in, cm and pt (resolution independence).
  • Animation as a first class programming concept
  • Attached Properties
  • Dependency Properties
  • Visual and Logical Trees
  • Dynamic 2 Pass layout model
  • Layout models like the web but with much more flexibility and control
  • Data and Control Templating
  • Data binding
  • Event routing / bubbling
  • Threading/Dispatch model
  • Navigation
  • XBAP vs EXE vs Navigation models of applications
  • Commands
  • Rendering Transforms
  • Resources
  • Styles, Templates, Skins and Themes
  • Visuals and shapes
  • 3D
  • UI Techniques (Carousels, CoverFlow, Virtualization)

Also worthy of noting are:
  • Reference declarations in XAML
  • Default models of control layout in Grids and Canvases

With .NET 3.5, the following features are new to WPF:
  • Firefox support for XBAPs
  • Databinding support for LINQ and IDataErrorInfo
  • Ability to place interactive controls in a RichTextBox
  • Support for 2-D element on 3-D surfaces
  • Add-in model for third-party components requiring a limited security context.

Pains in WPF:
  • Lack of controls
  • Renaming control classes

Tags:

.Net | WPF

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I'm a .NET, XAML, and iOS polyglot that loves playing with new things and making cool and innovative stuff.  I am also a Mac junkie.

I am Principal Technologist for SunGard Global Services in NYC, in their Advanced Technologies practice, and I work extensively with SunGard's energy and financial customers.

Note the the posting on this blog are my own and do not represent the position, strategies or opinions of SGS.

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