Professional Windows 8 Programming: Application Development with C# and Xaml

Professional Windows® 8 Programming: Application Development with C# and XAML
Copyright
About The Authors
About The Technical Editors
Credits
Acknowledgments
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: A Glimpse into the Future
The Game Changer
What Makes Windows 8 Different?
Understanding Windows 8: The Zune Concept
Windows Phone 7 Carry-overs
Getting Around in Windows 8
The Login Screen
The Start Screen
The Search Feature
Application Life Cycle
Accessing Desktop Mode
Windows Store App Development
Hello Windows 8
Selecting a Language and Default Folders
Building a Simple Windows Store App
Setting App Capabilities
What About HTML Developers?
Types of Windows Store Apps
Grid Applications
Split Applications
Creating a Split Application
Summary
Chapter 2: What Is XAML?
A Quick XAML History Lesson
XAML Basics
XAML in Visual Studio 2012
Controls for Windows 8
Layout Controls
Action Controls
Summary
Chapter 3: Enhancing Your Apps with Control Styles, Data Binding, and Semantic Zoom
Customizing Your Apps
Styling Controls
Understanding Basic Styling
Referencing Styles Across an App
Using Microsoft's Default Styles
Data Binding
Understanding Basic Data Entry
Binding Objects to the User Interface
Updating Data with Two-Way Data Binding
Data Binding Summary
Windows 8 Data Binding Controls
ComboBox
ListBox
ListView
GridView
Grouped GridView
Using SemanticZoom
Using Custom Controls
Summary
Chapter 4: Windows 8 User Interface Final Touches
Application Bars, Notifications, Splash Screens, and Live Tiles
Working with the App Bar
Creating the Top App Bar Navigation
Wiring Up the App Pages
Adding Filtering Capability
Adding Finishing Touches to the App
Adding Notifications
Understanding Templates
A Toast Example
Creating Live Tiles
Available Tile Templates
Live Tiles Example
Splash Screen
Summary
Chapter 5: Application Life Cycle
Applications Reborn
What Is the Windows 8 Life Cycle?
App Launch
App Activation
App Resume
App Close
Background Operations
Triggers and Conditions
Lock Screen
Progress Reporting
Debugging
Deadlock
Summary
Chapter 6: Handling Data, Files, and Networking
Getting Started with Data, Files, and Networking
Handling Application Data and Files
Getting Started with the Data Samples App
Understanding Windows.Storage API
Working with Data and Files Locations
File Access Permissions
Local Settings and Application Data
Roaming Settings and Application Data
Temporary Application Data
Versioning Application Data
Clearing Application Data
Displaying Pictures Library Content
Selecting Files: User Experience
Tracking Files and Folders
Serializing and Deserializing Data
Data Encryption and Decryption
Networking
Establishing Socket Connectivity
Data Transfers
Activating Proximity and Tapping
Syndicated Content
Accessing Network Information
Example: Leaderboard App
Summary
Chapter 7: Sensors
Windows Sensor Platform
Hardware for the Sensor Platform
Windows Sensor Platform Overview
Using the 3-D Accelerometer
Using the 3-D Compass
Using the Compass Class
Calculating True North Headings
Using the 3-D Gyrometer
Using the Inclinometer
Using the Ambient Light Sensor
Using the Orientation Sensors
Using the OrientationSensor Class
Using the SimpleOrientationSensor Class
Summary
Chapter 8: Geolocation
What Is Geolocation?
Geolocation in Windows 8
Using the Geolocator Class
Understanding the CivicAddress Class
Using the Bing Maps SDK
Referencing the Bing Maps SDK
Using the Bing.Maps.Map Class
Using Pushpins on the Map
Adding Traffic Information
Getting Directions
Enabling Directions with Pushpins
Summary
Chapter 9: Application Contracts and Extensions
App Contracts and Extensions
Using the File Picker Contract
Selecting a Single File
Selecting Multiple Files
Selecting Files from Windows Store Apps
Debugging File Picker Activation
Using the Cached File Updater Contract
Using the Play to Contract
Introducing the PlayToManager Class
Testing PlayTo Scenarios
Using the Search Contract
Using the Settings Contract
Using the Share Contract
Introducing the DataTransferManager Class
DataTransferManager.DataRequested
DataTransferManager.TargetApplicationChosen
Share Contract Scenarios
Using the Account Picture Provider Extension
Using the AutoPlay Extension
Using the Background Tasks Extension
Using Push Notifications
Using Background Tasks
Using the Camera Settings Extension
Using the Contact Picker Extension
Using the File Activation Extension
Implementing the File Activation Extension
Debugging File Activation
Using the Game Explorer Extension
Using the Print Task Settings Extension
Using the Protocol Activation Extension
Activating the Maps App
Making the Required Declarations
Debugging Protocol Activation
Using SSL/Certificates Extension
Summary
Chapter 10: Windows Store Application Architecture
Best Practices for Your Apps
Understanding MVVM
Locating ViewModels
Refactoring the Artist Browser
Instantiating a ViewModelLocator
Removing DefaultViewModel
Simplifying the Models
Using Commands to Handle Input
Using MVVM Frameworks
Understanding MVVM Light
Messaging in MVVM Light
Summary
Chapter 11: Windows Store and Monetization
Windows Store Overview
How Consumers See Your App
App Discovery
Making the First Good Impression
Promoting Your App
Selling Your Apps
Windows Store Economics
Windows Store API Overview
Getting Started with the Color Shopping App
Supporting Trials
In-App Purchases
Adding Advertisements
Summary: The Economics of Monetizing Your App
Application Packaging
Preparing your app in Visual Studio
Packaging Apps Using a Command Line
Packaging Enterprise Line-of-Business (LOB) Apps
Testing with Windows App Certification Kit
Understanding Windows Store Certification Requirements
Summary
Chapter 12: Putting It All Together: Building a Windows Store Application
Welcome to the Final Chapter of the Book
Designing the Wrox BookStore App
Displaying Wrox Press Books
Adding a Wish List across Devices
Diving into the Code
Getting Ready for MVVM
Creating Sample Data
Creating the Home Page
Configuring the XAML
Updating the ViewModel
Finishing the Code Behind
Drilling Down into Groups
Configuring the XAML
Updating the View Model
Finishing the Code Behind
Showing Detailed Book Information
Configuring the XAML
Updating the View Model
Finishing the Code Behind
Providing a Wish List Feature with SkyDrive
Making Files Available Locally
Registering Your App
Loading/Creating the Wish List File
Saving the Wish List File
Adding the Commands
Updating the Tile and Splash Screen
Getting Ready for the Store
Opening a Developer Account
Reserving an App Name
Acquiring a Developer License
Editing the App Manifest
Associating the App with the Store
Capturing Screenshots
Creating App Packages
Uploading App Packages
Concluding Remarks on the Store Checklist
Summary
Index
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