Today, we will take a closer look at various abbreviations used in UWP (Universal Windows Platform) development and their non-abbreviated forms. UWP is a Microsoft platform that allows for the development of applications that can be used from Windows 10 onwards. In this article, we will explain the commonly used abbreviated expressions in UWP code, their meanings, and differences, and we will understand them practically through example code.
1. Basic Concepts of UWP Development
UWP development is an application development environment designed to run the same application across a multitude of devices. It can run on various platforms like Windows 10, Xbox, and HoloLens, and it supports multiple platforms with a single codebase. Therefore, maintaining the efficiency and readability of code is essential when developing UWP applications. This is where abbreviated and non-abbreviated expressions come into play, as they greatly contribute to the conciseness and readability of the code.
2. Understanding Abbreviated and Non-Abbreviated Expressions
An abbreviated expression refers to a concise way used in code to easily convey specific functionalities or actions. In contrast, a non-abbreviated expression is a way of expressing the same functionality more explicitly. The choice between the two expressions can vary depending on the situation, and it can directly impact the readability and maintainability of the code.
2.1. Example of Abbreviated Expression
When defining the UI in a UWP application using ‘xaml’, multiple properties can be written concisely using an abbreviated expression. For example:
<Button Content="Click Me" Width="200" Height="50" Click="Button_Click"/>The above code is a simplified representation of various properties of the ‘Button’ element in an abbreviated form. This increases the conciseness and readability of the code, allowing developers to understand and use it easily.
2.2. Example of Non-Abbreviated Expression
On the other hand, using a non-abbreviated expression can enhance the clarity of the code. Here’s an example of a non-abbreviated expression that performs a similar function:
<Button Width="200" Height="50" Click="Button_Click">
<Button.Content>Click Me</Button.Content>
</Button>Here, the ‘Content’ property is represented as a separate element, making its nature and function more explicit. The non-abbreviated expression helps make clear what each property is, even if the code becomes longer.
3. Commonly Used Abbreviated Expressions in UWP
Let’s introduce a few abbreviated expressions often used in UWP development.
3.1. Abbreviated Expressions in XAML
XAML (XAML Markup Language) is used to define the UI of UWP applications. Abbreviated expressions are particularly noticeable here. For example, the ‘Margin’ property in XAML can be abbreviated as follows:
<Border Margin="10,20,30,40"></Border>The above expression can be written in a non-abbreviated form as follows:
<Border>
<Border.Margin>
<Thickness Left="10" Top="20" Right="30" Bottom="40"/>
</Border.Margin>
</Border>3.2. Abbreviated Expressions in C# Code
In C#, abbreviated expressions are still widely used for code conciseness. For example, the following abbreviated method definition can be used:
private void Button_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e) => DoSomething();When modified to a non-abbreviated form, it appears as follows:
private void Button_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
{
DoSomething();
}4. Precautions When Using Abbreviated Expressions
While abbreviated expressions simplify the code, excessive abbreviation can hinder its readability. Therefore, when using abbreviated expressions, you should consider the following:
- Use abbreviations only if they make understanding easier.
- It should be clear what the code does.
- Maintain consistency by considering the rules and styles of the whole team.
5. Combination of Abbreviated and Non-Abbreviated Expressions
The ideal code achieves a harmony between abbreviated and non-abbreviated expressions. For instance, clearly express where non-abbreviated expressions should be used, while combining repetitive patterns with abbreviated expressions to make the code more efficient.