Here's the homework project for the XML Applications class. This is to be done in parallel to the class room portion of our next section. This project will use both new concepts and ones we've been working on since the start of the XML program.

Conceptual Design:

We are designed an XML bvased application for a used record store. The clerks need a cataloging system that will allow them to enter into the system cd's as they are purchased. This data will then be used to display a live online catalog of available cd's by store. By the way this is similar to a real application used at Gamestop stores across the country for tracking their used games. I'll continue to add details to the project at each stage.

Stage one- Data Design

1. Build an xml file prototype that will allow you to efficiently enter, store, and retrieve the CD information. Call it CDCatalog.xml.

2. Goals

a. use good coding conventions

b. avoid duplicate date where possible

c. remember when it's appropriate to store data in an attribute vs. an element

d. remember to include the data you need to efficiently look up the data.

e. This is a prototype for the actual XML that will be created by user entry later.

Here's the syllabus that I've submitted to Strategy for the new Silverlight classes. If anyone is interested they should let Strategy (www.strategycomputer.som 425-643-4849) know as soon as possible so they can get the class scheduled...

Developing Silverlight Applications

Microsoft Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform, and cross-device plug-in for delivering the next generation of .NET based media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web. By using Silverlight's support for .NET, High Definition video, cost-effective advanced streaming, unparalleled high-resolution interactivity with Deep Zoom technology, and controls, businesses can reach out to new markets across the Web, desktop, and devices.Microsoft Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform, and cross-device plug-in for delivering the next generation of .NET based media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web. By using Silverlight's support for .NET, High Definition video, cost-effective advanced streaming, unparalleled high-resolution interactivity with Deep Zoom technology, and controls, businesses can reach out to new markets across the Web, desktop, and devices. This revolutionary new platform transforms the Web into a delivery mechanism for rich Internet applications (RIAs) and rich media experiences. For web developers Silverlight enables browser-based apps to escape the limitations of HTML and JavaScript by introducing support for XAML-based user interfaces and managed code written in C#, VB.NET, and other languages. It enables developers to leverage the skills and domain knowledge they already have to build immersive, content-rich Web apps. Moreover, Silverlight is a cross-platform solution that supports all major browsers on a variety of operating systems.

Strategy Computers is offering a 24 hour course that focuses on Silverlight including the latest version, 2.0. This course, Developing Silverlight Applications, will cover topics such as isolated storage and using managed code in a client side environment and provides web application developers with the knowledge and skills they need to utilize the Silverlight platform to its fullest. Additionally this course will cover Microsoft’s Expression Studio, which provides the tools needed to build great Silverlight UIs. Although this is a developer-focused course with an emphasis on architecture, coding practices, and Visual Studio 2008, designers seeking a deeper knowledge of Silverlight will find the course helpful as well.

Duration and Format

• 6 - 4 hour instructor led classes
• Online tutorials and labs

Syllabus

Class 1

Class 2

Class 3

Intro to Silverlight

Silverlight integrates a highly flexible JavaScript and/or Managed Code programming model with a powerful XML based rendering language called XAML. This class looks at the basics of the Silverlight API and how content is packaged into XAP files

Fundamentals of XAML

XAML is Silverlight’s integrated markup language for building content rich UIs. This class examines the structures of XAML and allows developers to build XAML elements and to understand the XAML produced by tools in the Expression Suite. 

Expression Suite

Expression Suite consists of 2 primary tools for building UI’s. The first is Expression Design which is an application for the GUI designer based primarily on vector based tools. Expression Suite allows designers to manipulate text images and paths in ways that would be very difficult to do by hand coding. This class introduces Expression Design and equips both designers and developers with the skills they need to get the most out of the product. The second primary part of the Expression Suite is Expression Blend. Expression Blend combines a XAML designer with specialized tools for adding behaviors to designs that are often imported from Expression Design. Expression blend also creates projects that can be opened with Visual Studio 2008, thus allowing the integration of behaviors with managed code. This class introduces designers and developers to Expression Blend and its tools.

Class 4

Class 5

Silverlight 2.0 Managed Code

Silverlight 2.0 adds to version 1.0 by allowing .NET managed code in the browser. Managed code can be written in any .Net language including C#, compiled, and run in the browser with access to a scaled-down version of the .NET framework as well as access to the browser DOM model. This class overviews the Silverlight 2.0 programming model and includes sections on isolated storage, networking, element eventing, and DOM integration.

Custom Controls

This class covers one of the more powerful aspects of Silverlight, the ability to create reusable UI components and behaviors. This class covers the Silverlight control model, styles and data binding.

Class 6

Silverlight Streaming and Video Capabilities

This class illustrates how Silverlight Streaming works with the terabit/second Content Delivery Network (CDN) to allow developers to build and deploy scalable high capacity streaming media and content.

Silverlight Best Practices

This class examines how to create optimized highly performing and easily maintainable Silverlight apps. Covered topics include the install experience, downloading local and non-local assets and switching from managed to unmanaged code.

Languages

C#, XML, XHTML, JavaScript

Prerequisites

Persons who attend Developing Silverlight Applications should have experience building .NET apps and should be comfortable with the C# programming language, XML, and XHTML.