C# 2010 All-in-One For Dummies®

Chapter 2. Understanding the Basics of WPF

In This Chapter

• Laying out applications

• Using layout panels

• Working with the grid

• Implementing display-only, input, and list-based controls

As Chapter 1 explains, WPF brings not only a dramatic shift to the look and feel of Windows applications but also changes the manner of development. The days of dragging and dropping controls from the toolbox onto a form are long gone. Even though it is still possible to drag and drop in WPF, you will find yourself better off and much happier if you work in XAML directly.

What was once difficult is now relatively simple. For example, in traditional Windows applications, when the user changes the size of the form, the controls typically stay huddled in their corner and a large area of empty canvas is displayed. The only cure for this was a lot of custom code or expensive third-party controls. WPF brings the concept of flow layout from the Web into the Windows world.

In the GDI/GDI+ world of WinForms, modifying a control's style or building complex looks was a Herculean feat. WPF has completely redefined the control paradigm, giving you, the developer, the freedom to make a control do unimaginable tasks — including playing a video on a button face. However, keep in mind that just because you can do something doesn't mean you should!

In this chapter, we work with WPF's layout process to control the layout of your application and introduce you to the various WPF controls.

Using WPF to Lay Out Your Application

Traditional ...