How does SilverLight fit in? WPF/Expressions/VS2005/VS ORCAS

05-02-2007 1:50 AM |

 I am having a tough time figuring out all of these new programs from MS. I understand the different Expression programs and know that they can interact with VS. I follow that VS Orcas is the next VS. So, where does SilverLight fall into the picture. I thought SilverLight was a program to allow computers with older operating systems to view WPF programs? I noticed on the website there are SilverLight controls. Are these the same controls in the WPF future releases for VS2005? Or are these new controls?

Thanks,

 -Robert

Re: How does SilverLight fit in? WPF/Expressions/VS2005/VS ORCAS

05-02-2007 7:17 AM |

hello Robert.

I think it's fair to say that Silverlight is a platform that lets you build cross-browser rich web apps. Even though you can use some of the wpf features, it's not correct to say that it's used to let old os see wpf programs. in fact, building a wpf app is totally different from building a silverlight app.

currently, there are 2 versions of silverlight: 1.is in beta and lets you load xaml animations on the browser. you can interact with it through js only. 1.1 is on alpha and it lets you right c# code against it (ie, you have a mini-clr version loaded on the browser and you can right .net code that interacts with the xaml you've defined). this is really a simplified view of what silverlight is and the best wayt ot get info about it is to check the silverlight web site.

Re: How does SilverLight fit in? WPF/Expressions/VS2005/VS ORCAS

05-02-2007 2:21 PM |

Mr. Luisabreu,

Using VS 2005 w/WPF futures I can create a WPF application. I can use Expressions to help create the application.

This looked very similar to what Scott Gutherie did on a video about SilverLight. So, I can't see what the difference is. How is a WPF application totally different then a SilverLight application? What advantages/disadvantages do I gain using one vs. the other.

 Thanks,

-Robert

Re: How does SilverLight fit in? WPF/Expressions/VS2005/VS ORCAS

05-03-2007 4:07 AM |

hi.

well, they're  really different kind of apps.

for instance, wpf has much more features than wpf/e. to use it, you need to install .net 3.0. currently, silverlight has much less features, but it lets you build cross-browser apps. So, if you want to develop a desktop app to be used on windows, wpf is the way to go. if you want to deliver riche media and animations through a web app, then silverlight is the way to go (specially if you want to create a cross-browser app).

Re: How does SilverLight fit in? WPF/Expressions/VS2005/VS ORCAS

05-04-2007 8:52 AM |

Mr. Luisabreu,

 Thanks for answering my question. Doesn't seem like I am able to give you credit though. The option to give credit for a correct answer, is only avaliable to my replies, which seems odd. Hopefully they will fix this in the future.

 -Robert

Re: How does SilverLight fit in? WPF/Expressions/VS2005/VS ORCAS

05-04-2007 1:29 PM |

hello.

 never mind that...glad i could help!

Re: How does SilverLight fit in? WPF/Expressions/VS2005/VS ORCAS

05-09-2007 12:29 PM |

OK,

So if someone could please explain to me how to do the following...

We need to create an interactive website using Blend... with all the features that are allowed in Blend... including video.

 How do I go about doing this?  I tried using the Silverlight template inside blend and it had very limited features.  I want to utilize all the features.

 
Do I export it straight from Blend?  Do I import it into Silverlight? 

How do I get from A to B??

Thanks!! 
 

Re: How does SilverLight fit in? WPF/Expressions/VS2005/VS ORCAS

05-09-2007 1:54 PM |

Hi Steve, 

For HTML part: Web Expression,
For SilverLight GUI design: Expression Blend,
For code behind:

• notepad or web expression (in this case you'll have javascript behind SilverLight controls)
• VS Orcas, currently in beta (in case you intend to use .NET laguages, c#, VB.NET, Python, Ruby...)
• VS 2005 could be also used, but you should check some workarounds in order to force its silverlight support, check on web
  

BTW, what did you mean by saying:

Do I export it straight from Blend?  Do I import it into Silverlight? 

From Blend you can use (or 'export') XAML generated code wherever...

Igor Kramaric

Re: How does SilverLight fit in? WPF/Expressions/VS2005/VS ORCAS

05-10-2007 4:51 PM |

Do I export it straight from Blend?  Do I import it into Silverlight? 

Well I've tried creating Blend interfaces/animations using the May Preview version - but when you use the Silverlight version it's has limited functionality (ie you can't create buttons).

 I'm just trying to understand how you can create a fully functional Blend production and make it play on the internet - if that's even possible?   Or am I limited to the reduced functionality of a Silverlight blend template (ie Javascript).

Thanks!