XAML Syntax – MSDN Community

XAML Syntax Guide

Basic Structure

XAML (eXtensible Application Markup Language) is an XML‑based language used to define UI elements for Windows apps. A typical XAML file starts with a root element that defines the namespace declarations:

<Window x:Class="MyApp.MainWindow"
        xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml/presentation"
        xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml"
        Title="MainWindow" Height="350" Width="525">
    <Grid>
        <Button Content="Click Me" Width="100" Height="30"/>
    </Grid>
</Window>

Elements & Attributes

Each UI component is represented by an element. Attributes correspond to properties of the element.

<TextBlock Text="Hello, World!" FontSize="24" Foreground="Blue"/>

Nested elements create a hierarchy, allowing you to compose complex layouts.

Namespace Prefixes

The x: prefix provides access to XAML language features such as x:Name, x:Key, and type casting.

<Button x:Name="SubmitButton" Content="{x:Static local:Resources.Submit}"/>

Markup Extensions

Markup extensions simplify complex property values.

<Image Source="{Binding Path=ProfilePicture}" />
<Rectangle Fill="{StaticResource PrimaryBrush}" />

Comments

Use standard XML comments to document XAML.

<!-- This button triggers the Submit command -->
<Button Content="Submit"/>