The Tech Platform
Jun 28, 20222 min
WPF is a UI framework used for developing Windows or desktop client applications. It is the latest approach to the GUI framework being used with the .NET framework. It was introduced to develop Windows client apps that run on the Windows operating system, and the next generation of Windows forms. It has all the functionality that is being required to develop, run, execute, manage, and handle Windows client applications.
It generally provides holistic means for combining or integrating UI, 2D and 3D graphics, digital media, and documents. It is responsible for developing, displaying, and manipulating UI, documents, images, etc., in Windows 7 and later operating systems. It is the current platform for developing windows applications.
PROS
Powerful styling and skinning structure
Easy to create an own look and feel
It’s very flexible so you can re design your own controls without buying new controls
It's newer and thereby more in tune with current standards of technology
Does support Windows Forms
XAML makes it easy to create and edit your GUI, and allows the work to be split between a designer (XAML) and a programmer
Highly advanced data binding possible.
Uses hardware acceleration for drawing the GUI, for better performance
The ability to reuse existing code
Declarative vs. procedural code
CONS
Requires .NET Framework 3.0
Compared to Windows Forms, still in evolving phases.
Requires Dx9 compatible video card for advanced graphics
WinForms is a GUI-based approach introduced to the .NET framework. Prior to WPF and Silverlight, it was the main API for .NET that is being used to build GUI. It does not require any type of support other than runtime and OS for developing a standalone application.
One can develop apps that are easy to deploy, update, manage, and work offline while connected to the Internet. The development of WinForms is very simple as it is only based on the drag and drop placement of UI controls on canvas. It is the old platform for developing desktop applications.
PROS
Extensive documentation can be found on the Internet
Plenty of examples and tested thoroughly for years
Supports WPF
There are lot of 3rd party controls in the market to make the job easier
The designer in Visual Studio is still, as of writing, better for WinForms than for WPF, where you will have to do more of the work yourself with WPF
CONS
Designing your own look and feel in an application is a lot of work
Extra cost incurred to buy third party controls
WinForms WPF
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