Welcome to the Windows UWP API Documentation
The Universal Windows Platform (UWP) provides a powerful and consistent programming model for building applications that can run across the spectrum of Windows devices. From PCs and tablets to Xbox and HoloLens, UWP empowers developers to reach a broad audience with a single codebase.
This section provides an overview of the key APIs and capabilities you can leverage to create engaging and performant Windows applications. We'll cover everything from user interface elements and device integration to background tasks and cloud services.
Core APIs
The foundation of UWP development lies in its core APIs, which offer access to fundamental system services and functionalities.
App Lifecycle Management
Understand how your application is activated, suspended, resumed, and terminated. Key classes include Windows.UI.Xaml.Application and Windows.ApplicationModel.Core.CoreApplication.
System Services
Interact with system-level features such as settings, data access, and input. Explore namespaces like Windows.System and Windows.Foundation.
UI & UX
Craft beautiful and responsive user interfaces with XAML and the extensive UI APIs.
XAML Controls
Leverage a rich set of built-in controls for common UI patterns, including buttons, text boxes, lists, and grids. The Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls namespace is your primary resource.
<Button Content="Click Me" HorizontalAlignment="Center" VerticalAlignment="Center" />Input & Gestures
Handle touch, mouse, keyboard, pen, and controller input with powerful event handling mechanisms. Investigate Windows.UI.Input.
Visual & Animation
Create dynamic and engaging experiences with animations, transitions, and visual effects. Discover the capabilities within Windows.UI.Composition and Windows.UI.Xaml.Media.Animation.
Connectivity
Enable seamless communication and data exchange for your applications.
Networking
Connect to the internet using HTTP, WebSockets, and other network protocols. The Windows.Networking.Sockets and Windows.Web.Http namespaces are essential.
Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Direct
Facilitate device-to-device communication for rich interactive scenarios.
Device Access
Integrate with a wide range of hardware devices to enhance application functionality.
Camera & Media Capture
Access device cameras for photo and video capture. Explore Windows.Media.Capture.
Sensors
Utilize device sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS, and more. Check out Windows.Devices.Sensors.
Bluetooth LE & Serial Port
Communicate with low-energy Bluetooth devices and legacy serial ports.
Storage
Manage application data and user files efficiently and securely.
Local & Roaming Storage
Store application data locally or sync it across devices using roaming storage. Use Windows.Storage APIs.
File Access & Management
Provide users with access to their files and folders through file pickers and system APIs.
Notifications
Keep users informed and engaged with timely notifications.
Toast Notifications
Display rich, interactive notifications to users even when your app isn't running. Explore Windows.UI.Notifications.
Tile Updates
Provide live updates and glanceable information on your app's tile.
Runtime Components
Extend your UWP applications with custom components written in various languages.
C++, C#, JavaScript
Create reusable libraries and integrate them seamlessly into your UWP projects.
This overview highlights some of the key areas of the UWP API. For detailed information on specific classes, methods, and properties, please refer to the dedicated API documentation.