XAML: The Language of Windows UI Design

For those looking to design user interfaces in Windows applications, XAML (Extensible Application Markup Language) is the go-to language. XAML files are composed of XML-based code that describe the layout, design, and functionality of the user interface. If you’re creating a Windows app using Visual Studio 2017, it is crucial to add XAML files to your project.

Step 1: Create a New Project

The first step before adding XAML files to your Visual Studio project is to create a new project. Launch Visual Studio 2017 and select “File” > “New” > “Project” to open the “New Project” dialog. Select the type of project you want to create, such as “Windows Forms App” or “WPF App,” and give your project a name. Choose a location to save it and click “Create” to create the project.

Step 2: Add a New XAML File

Once your project is created, you can add a new XAML file to it. Right-click on the project in the Solution Explorer and select “Add” > “New Item.” In the “Add New Item” dialog box, choose “XAML” from the list of file types on the left. Then, select “WPF” or “Windows Forms” from the right-hand list, depending on what type of project you’re working on. Give your XAML file a name and click “Add” to create the file.

Step 3: Edit Your XAML File

With your XAML file created, it’s time to start designing your user interface. Open your XAML file in the Visual Studio editor, and you’ll see a blank canvas where you can add controls. You can find a list of available controls and properties in the Toolbox window.

Step 4: Add Code-Behind

The XAML file describes the appearance and behavior of your user interface, but you’ll also need to write code to give the controls functionality. To do this, you can add code-behind to your XAML file. Right-click on your XAML file in the Solution Explorer and select “View Code” to open the code-behind file. Write your C# code here to handle events and make your controls functional.

Step 5: Build and Run Your Project

Once your user interface is designed and your controls are functional, it’s time to build and run your project. Select “Build” > “Build Solution” to compile it. If there are errors, Visual Studio will notify you so you can correct them. Once your project has successfully built, select “Debug” > “Start Debugging” to run your project.

Conclusion

XAML is the essential language for designing Windows applications. Follow the steps outlined in this article to create a professional-quality user interface, add functional code, and run your app. With some practice, you’ll be impressing users with the user interface you create in no time.