Introduction

Windows 8 provides a new and exciting platform for developers. This coming version of Windows promises to run on new hardware, such as tablets, as well as existing laptops and desktops. Microsoft has developed a new layer for accessing and leveraging system resources, including the operating system services. The new Windows Runtime (WinRT) is this layer.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is an introduction to WinRT. With the Windows Runtime being so new, developers of all experience ranges can benefit from this introduction. This book demonstrates how to build Windows 8 Metro style apps, specifically focusing on WinRT.

How This Book Is Structured

There are only four chapters in this book, but each one is packed with information designed to get developers familiar with WinRT.

This short book begins with an overview of WinRT in the first chapter, which explains what WinRT is and answers common questions developers have about the Windows Runtime.

The following chapter demonstrates coding with WinRT. The first examples start simple and show how WinRT components are built.

The final two chapters focus on building Metro style apps. The developer builds apps that use WinRT components to interface with the user. They also extend their app to interact with other apps.

Downloading the Code

The code for the examples shown in this book is available on the Apress web site, www.apress.com. A link can be found on the book’s information page under the Source Code/Downloads tab. This tab is located underneath the Related Titles section of the page.