Section 1.2. What XAML Is Not


1.2. What XAML Is Not

XAML is purely a markup language designed for describing user-interface components and arranging them on the screen. Though there are components of XAML that appear to be programmatic in nature, such as the TRigger and TRansform elements, XAML is not a procedural programming language and is not designed to execute application logic.

XAML is interpreted, not compiledthough it can be compiled. Microsoft recommends that XAML be compiled by compacting it into Binary Application Markup Language (BAML) . Both XAML and BAML are interpreted by the WPF and then rendered on the screen in a manner similar to HTML. Unlike HTML, however, XAML is strongly typed. HTML defaults to ignoring tags and attributes it doesn't understand, while XAML requires that every tag and attribute be understood, including the typing of attributes. Although all attributes initially appear to be strings, don't let that fool you. The string represents an object, and because those objects must be understood by WPF, XAML is strongly typed.

Finally, XAML is not HTML. Although there are similarities in the declaration of elements, application of styles, and assignment of event handlers, XAML is an XML-based interface to the Windows Presentation Framework, while HTML is a markup language that is rendered within the context of the browser and operating system in which it is loaded. XAML is far more than a mechanism for displaying information and soliciting basic user input. It is a complete user-interface design and development markup language that reaches beyond the scope of simple HTML elements by including advanced features such as 3-D element rendering and rich vector-based drawing capabilities.




XAML in a Nutshell
XAML in a Nutshell (In a Nutshell (OReilly))
ISBN: 0596526733
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2007
Pages: 217

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