Download - Rudi Grobler Session Code: WUX205
Microsoft Expression Blend from a Developer's Point of View
Part 1Rudi Groblerhttp://dotnet.org.za/rudiSession Code: WUX205
Agenda
A lap around Expression BlendFinding features you know from Visual StudioExploring features unique to Expression BlendWorking with Visual Studio and Expression Blend in tandem
Silverlight vs. Windows Presentation FoundationLearning a few designer tricksCreating a real world user interface for an existing business application
What is Expression Blend?
User Interface design tool for WPF and SilverlightThe focus is on next-generation interactive user interfaces and user experiences
The tool covers the entire range of possible WPF/SL interfaces from desktop business applications to web experiences
The main focus of Expression Blend has traditionally been on designers
However, it turns out to be a great developer tool as well!
Expression Blend Versions and History
Expression Blend 1 – WPF design toolExpression Blend 2 – WPF and Silverlight 2.0Expression Blend 3 (preview) – WPF and Silverlight 3.0 (beta)My recommendation: Use Expression Blend 3 whenever you can!
I have been using Expression Blend 3 (beta) for all my WPF design needs and the product has already been very stable
Expression Blend and VS Similarities
Creating Projects based on templatesExpression Blend supports WPF and Silverlight templates only
Projects and SolutionsNew Source Control support in version 3.0
Design and Editor windowsBlend 3.0 supports code editing and IntelliSense
ToolboxProperties and events window
Expression Blend: The Familiardemo
Expression Blend and VS Differences
Richer visual UI editor in Expression BlendUI hierarchy windowStoryboards and TimelinesTrigger and Visual State supportResources (XAML)Design time dataSketchFlowAdobe integration
Expression Blend: New Featuresdemo
Blend and Visual Studio Together
Blend 2.0: Design in Blend, code in Visual StudioSource Control through Visual Studio
Blend 3.0:Source code editing is now supportedStill, for heavy duty coding (and debugging!) Visual Studio is the better choice
Even as a developer, I do all my visual UI editing in Expression Blend
Expression Blend & Visual Studiodemo
Some Real-World Tips
Create new projects in Visual StudioThe templates used by both tools are not identical
Test-run your applications from Visual StudioNo debugging support in BlendBetter error information in Visual Studio
Beware of having the same file open twiceSave changes before you switch to the other tool, to avoid accidental simultaneous editing
Differences Between WPF and SL
Expression Blend can be used for both WPF and Silverlight, and most things you know apply to both
The differences in the two technologies change the Blend experienceExample: Triggers vs. Visual StatesExample: Resource Dictionaries vs. Inline Resources
The two technologies move closer togetherVisual States are available in WPF (and supported by Blend) as an add-onSilverlight 3.0 supports Resource Dictionaries
Building a Real-World Application
This example uses an existing middle tier that runs as a production application
Note: The downloadable example provides a “fake” middle tier so you can easily run it on your systemNote: There are Silverlight and WPF versions
The example app shows a list of sports teams and the players rostered by each team
The goal of the example is to create a nice UI with a visual appearance that is both appealing and professional and suitable for a business application
Building an Applicationdemo
http://dotnet.org.za/rudiquestion & answer
Complete a session evaluation and enter to win!
10 pairs of MP3 sunglasses to be won
Related ContentBuilding Rich Business Clients in WPF (Brian Noyes)
What’s New in Microsoft Silverlight 3 (Eben de Wit)
Developing for Windows 7 (Lynn Langit)
Optimizing Your Application for the Windows 7 User Experience (Lynn Langit)
ViewModel and Application Patterns with Silverlight (Nikhil Kothari)Creating “real” devices (Rudi Grobler)
Windows Client Development Discussion (Rudi, Lynn & Tony)Sharing Code between your Microsoft .NET Framework Applications and Microsoft Silverlight (Stephen Forte)
© 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista and other product names are or may be registered trademarks and/or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries.The information herein is for informational purposes only and represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation as of the date of this presentation. Because Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information provided after the date of this presentation. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.