Desktop Applications with .NET Core

Explore how to build modern, cross-platform desktop applications using the power and flexibility of .NET Core.

Getting Started

This section guides you through the fundamental concepts and tools required for developing desktop applications with .NET Core. We'll cover project setup, UI frameworks, and essential development patterns.

Key Concepts

• Understanding the .NET Core Ecosystem for Desktop Development
• Choosing the Right UI Framework (WPF, WinForms, MAUI)
• Project Structure and Dependencies
• Debugging and Testing Desktop Applications

Popular UI Frameworks

Microsoft offers several robust UI frameworks that are well-supported within the .NET Core ecosystem:

• ▶ Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF): A powerful framework for building visually rich and scalable Windows desktop applications. Learn about XAML, data binding, and advanced UI design.▶ Windows Forms (WinForms): A mature and widely used framework for creating traditional Windows desktop applications. Get up to speed with event-driven programming and drag-and-drop design.▶ .NET Multi-platform App UI (MAUI): The evolution of Xamarin.Forms, .NET MAUI allows you to build native applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android from a single codebase.

  Development Workflow

  Learn best practices for developing, deploying, and maintaining your .NET Core desktop applications:

  1. Setting Up Your Development Environment: Install the necessary SDKs and IDEs.
  2. Creating Your First Application: A step-by-step guide to building a simple "Hello World" application.
  3. Implementing User Interfaces: Techniques for designing responsive and interactive UIs.
  4. Managing Application Data: Strategies for handling local and remote data.
  5. Deployment and Distribution: Packaging and publishing your applications.

  Code Examples

  Discover practical code snippets and full examples to illustrate key concepts:

  // Example: Basic WPF Window
  using System.Windows;
  
  namespace MyDesktopApp
  {
      public partial class MainWindow : Window
      {
          public MainWindow()
          {
              InitializeComponent();
          }
      }
  }
  

  // Example: Basic WinForms Button Click
  public partial class MainForm : Form
  {
      public MainForm()
      {
          InitializeComponent();
      }
  
      private void submitButton_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
      {
          MessageBox.Show("Button clicked!");
      }
  }
  

  Continue exploring the sub-sections to dive deeper into specific frameworks and advanced topics.