Microsoft’s Silverlight is a client-side Web technology that enables the implementation of visually stunning Web applications that depend only on a small, easy-to-install plug-in that works in browsers for both Windows and Macintosh. Silverlight provides a cross-platform and cross-browser implementation of the .NET Framework. Out-of-browser support enables Silverlight applications to run disconnected from the Internet. Silverlight applications can be implemented in .NET languages such as C# and Visual Basic as well as in JavaScript. This four-day course provides the C# programmer with a thorough foundation in Silverlight 5.

After introducing the Silverlight plug-in and the programming model for Silverlight, the course provides a thorough survey of Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML), which is also the foundation of Windows Presentation Framework (WPF). The course then shows how to use Silverlight to draw shapes, lines, text and images. Layout is discussed in detail, including sizing and positioning of controls and the use of panels. Event handling is covered. There is an introduction to Silverlight animation and the use of video and audio.

Networking issues are covered, including caching, asynchronous data transfers, and downloading assemblies and resources on demand. The use of both SOAP and REST based Web services is discussed. Two chapters cover data controls, data binding and data access in detail, including the use of the Entity Data Model and WCF Data Services. The next chapter covers additional topics, such as the HTML Bridge, out-of-browser applications, the use of elevated trust, printing, and clipboard access. The course concludes with a chapter covering new features in Silverlight 5. An appendix covers transforms in Silverlight, which can be used to achieve various special visual effects.

Numerous programming examples and exercises are provided. The student will receive a complete set of notes and all the programming examples.

.NET Training Learning Objectives

• Gain a practical knowledge of using Silverlight in Web applications
• Understand the use of XAML with Silverlight, including the creation of dynamic content
• Use Silverlight to draw shapes, lines, text and images
• Implement input-driven Web applications using Silverlight
• Use advanced Silverlight features such as animation and multimedia
• Communicate over the network using HTTP and Web services
• Use data controls and data binding
• Access data in Silverlight applications
• Interoperate between JavaScript and managed code
• Implement out-of-browser Silverlight applications, including ones with elevated trust
• Do printing and clipboard access from Silverlight applications