XAML for the Windows App SDK

The Windows App SDK leverages XAML for building rich, modern user interfaces for Windows applications. This section provides comprehensive documentation on XAML concepts, controls, styling, data binding, and more, specifically within the context of the Windows App SDK.

Key Concepts

XAML (eXtensible Application Markup Language) is an XML-based declarative language used to define user interfaces. With the Windows App SDK, you can utilize the latest advancements and features of XAML to create engaging and performant applications.

XAML Controls

Explore the rich set of built-in XAML controls available in the Windows App SDK, designed to provide a consistent and modern look and feel. These include:

• Layout Panels: Grid, StackPanel, RelativePanel, and more.
• Basic Controls: Button, TextBox, Label, CheckBox, RadioButton.
• Content Controls: Image, TextBlock, RichTextBlock.
• Items Controls: ListView, GridView, ItemsControl.

For detailed API documentation and examples for each control, please refer to the API Reference.

Styling and Templating

Customize the appearance and behavior of your UI elements using XAML styles and control templates. Learn how to:

• Define and apply Style resources.
• Create custom control appearances with ControlTemplate.
• Utilize VisualStateManager for managing visual states.

Data Binding

Connect your UI elements to your application's data model efficiently using XAML data binding. Understand how to:

• Bind properties to data sources using {Binding} markup extension.
• Implement INotifyPropertyChanged for data synchronization.
• Explore converters and validation for advanced scenarios.

Layouts and Responsiveness

Design flexible and adaptive layouts that work seamlessly across different screen sizes and resolutions. Dive into:

• Using panels like Grid and RelativePanel for precise control.
• Implementing responsive design patterns.

Getting Started with XAML in Windows App SDK

To start using XAML in your Windows App SDK project, you typically define your UI in a `.xaml` file, which is then loaded and rendered by the application framework.

Example: A Simple XAML Page

Here's a basic example of a XAML page structure:

<!-- MainPage.xaml -->
<Page
    x:Class="MyApp.MainPage"
    xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml/presentation"
    xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml"
    xmlns:local="using:MyApp"
    xmlns:d="http://schemas.microsoft.com/expression/blend/2008"
    xmlns:mc="http://schemas.openxmlformats.org/markup-compatibility/2006"
    mc:Ignorable="d"
    Background="{ThemeResource ApplicationPageBackgroundThemeBrush}">

    <Grid Padding="20">
        <StackPanel Spacing="10" HorizontalAlignment="Center" VerticalAlignment="Center">
            <TextBlock Text="Welcome to the Windows App SDK!" FontSize="24" FontWeight="Bold" TextAlignment="Center"/>
            <Button Content="Click Me"/>
        </StackPanel>
    </Grid>
</Page>

Custom Controls

The Windows App SDK provides extensibility points for creating your own custom XAML controls to encapsulate reusable UI components and logic. Learn how to define and register custom controls for use in your applications.

See the Custom Controls section for detailed guidance.

Resources

• Introduction to WinUI 3
• Windows App SDK API Reference