Silverlight is a web browser plugin that allows developers to create rich interactive applications and media experiences. It uses .NET and XAML to build the UI and logic of an application that runs inside a browser. Silverlight applications are packaged as .XAP files and use HTTP, SOAP, or other web services to connect to back-end systems.

1. Silverlight is a web browser plug-in 1

2. There are two versions V2 is backwards compatible & where you’d start today 2 September 2007 ~October 2008

3. Plug-in can be installed on demand Also available as an optional Windows Update 3

4. Plug-in is small and self-contained ~10 Second Download No Additional Dependencies 4

5. Runs cross-browser, cross-platform ? Linux support is from Novell’s Moonlight project 5

6. Displays rich UI in the browser 6 Silverlight Single Unified Framework Controls Media Graphics Layout, Animation, Data Binding

7. Uses controls which can be styled Control UI separated from Control behaviour 7

8. Uses controls which bind to data 8

9. Integrates within the HTML page 9 Silverlight Control Full Page Silverlight UI Silverlight “Islands” in HTML Silverlight Control 1 Silverlight Control 2 Rich HTML & Javascript Interop

10. Connects with a range of services 10 Silverlight HTTP GET/POST SOAP, JSON, REST, XML Sockets

11. Runs code in a tight, fixed sandbox All code gets same limited permissions 11

12. <object> tag launches the plug-in Source parameter points to the Silverlight Application 12

13. Applications come in . XAP (Zip) files 13

14. .XAP files come from any web server Browser requests XAP file, unzips it, runs .NET code 14 myapp.xap

15. .XAP files contain .NET app code 15 Specific .NET Frameworks/Runtimes Desktop/Server .NET Framework 3.5 Sp1 Mobile Devices .NET Compact Framework Silverlight Silverlight .NET Framework Common .NET Development .NET Languages ( C#, VB, etc ) .NET Tools ( Visual Studio, etc ) .NET Developers & Skills

16. .NET app code is code with markup 16 XAML markup language defines UI .NET code handles interaction Silverlight .NET Application

17. Development tools are on Windows Free, low barrier to entry, not very productive Free fully fledged integrated environment Paid for professional & team development tools 17

18. Design tools are on Windows Expression Blend for design of Silverlight applications ( paid for product ) 18

19. UI/Code separation facilitates design Single project structure 19 Designer styles & adds interaction in Blend XAML Developer writes code in Visual Studio Code

20. Where to find more information? www.silverlight.net 20