With the recent release of Windows Vista Beta 2 Microsoft has launched the WinFX Developer Center in support of the new operating system. This is an excellent starting point if you are a developer looking to create applications on the WinFX platform. Currently featured are articles and resources on Data Integration and Discoverability.
One of the biggest ways that WinFX changes the way we develop applications is that users are no longer confined to organizing and viewing or sorting their files by the folders in which they are stored. New integrated search and indexing provides access to full-text and metadata property searches for the user and the developer.
In addition to the new data features WinFX also brings with it some powerful new presentation technologies. In their article "Top Ten UI Development Breakthroughs In Windows Presenatation Foundation", Ian Griffiths and Chris Sells identify the following new features:
- Declarative Programming
- Triggers
- Consistent Styles
- Data-Driven UI
- Lookless Controls
- Flexible Content Model
- Adaptable UI Layout
- Rich Application Text
- Drawing Object Model
- Advanced Graphics.
Check out the center for lots more information on developing for the WinFX platform.