UWP Development, UWP Development Environment

As part of Windows platform development, UWP (Universal Windows Platform) is a platform for developing applications that run on Windows 10 and later. UWP allows the same application to run on various Windows devices, including PCs, tablets, Xbox, and IoT devices. In this article, we will explain the UWP development environment and introduce the process of creating a basic UWP application.

1. Features of UWP

UWP has the following features:

  • Cross-device compatibility: It can be executed on various Windows devices through code reusability.
  • Modern UI: It allows the creation of modern and responsive user interfaces using XAML.
  • Store distribution: Applications can be distributed and managed through the Microsoft Store.
  • Security: It runs in a sandbox environment, providing high security.

2. Setting up the UWP Development Environment

To develop UWP applications, a suitable development environment is necessary. Here are the main software and tools required for UWP development.

2.1 Installing Visual Studio

Install Visual Studio, which is the standard IDE for UWP development. The steps for installation are as follows:

  1. Visit the official Visual Studio website and download the installation file.
  2. Run the installer and select “Developer tools” or “All features” for the installation type.
  3. Select “Developer tools” for UWP development.
  4. After completing the installation, launch Visual Studio.

2.2 Installing Windows SDK

Visual Studio includes the Windows SDK by default, but if a specific version of the SDK is required, it can be downloaded separately. The SDK provides the APIs and tools necessary for UWP application development.

2.3 UWP Platform Components

A UWP application consists of the following basic components:

  • App.xaml: Defines the starting point and resources of the application.
  • MainPage.xaml: Defines the first page of the application.
  • Package.appxmanifest: Defines the settings and information of the application.

3. Creating Your First UWP Application

Now let’s actually create a UWP application.

3.1 Creating a New Project

Launch Visual Studio and follow the steps below to create a new UWP project:

  1. Select “New” > “Project” from the “File” menu in Visual Studio.
  2. Select “Windows” from the project templates and then choose “Blank App (Universal Windows Platform)”.
  3. Set the project name and path, and click the “Create” button.

3.2 Designing UI and Writing Code

Once the project is created, open the MainPage.xaml file to design the UI. The following example is a simple application that displays a message box when the button is clicked:

<Page
    x:Class="MyFirstUWPApp.MainPage"
    xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml/presentation"
    xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml">

    <Grid Background="{ThemeResource ApplicationPageBackgroundThemeBrush}">
        <Button x:Name="MyButton"
                Content="Click Me!"
                VerticalAlignment="Center"
                HorizontalAlignment="Center"
                Click="MyButton_Click"/>
    </Grid>
</Page>

Then add the button click event handler in the MainPage.xaml.cs file:

using Windows.UI.Xaml;
using Windows.UI.Xaml.Controls;

namespace MyFirstUWPApp
{
    public sealed partial class MainPage : Page
    {
        public MainPage()
        {
            this.InitializeComponent();
        }

        private async void MyButton_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
        {
            var dialog = new MessageDialog("Hello, welcome to UWP development!");
            await dialog.ShowAsync();
        }
    }
}

3.3 Running the Application

You can run the application by pressing the F5 key in Visual Studio. A window with a clickable button will open, and when the button is clicked, a message box will appear.

4. Debugging and Deployment

Debugging and deployment are also very important processes in UWP development. Visual Studio provides powerful debugging tools that allow you to handle code errors while running the application and fixing bugs.

4.1 Debugging

To debug, press the F5 key to run the application and set breakpoints on the desired lines of code. The application will pause execution when it reaches that code. Afterward, you can inspect variable values or program flow to resolve issues.

4.2 Deployment

Once the application is completed, it can be published to the Microsoft Store. In Visual Studio, select “Prepare for Deployment” from the “Solution” menu to generate an .appx or .appxbundle file. Submit this file to the Microsoft Store for distribution.

5. The Evolution and Future of UWP

UWP continues to evolve in line with Microsoft’s latest technology trends. Currently, UWP is being developed in integration with WinUI and MAUI (Multi-platform App UI), enabling developers to create applications across various devices with more powerful and flexible tools.

Conclusion

UWP development plays a very important role in modern Windows application development. By establishing a suitable development environment and creating basic UWP applications, it offers opportunities to deploy and run the same application across various Windows devices. I hope what you learned today helps you take your first step into the world of UWP application development.

References