Windows Store appsTips & tricks from the field
Robert MacLeanTechnology Specialist, Microsoft MVPBBD
Join the user group at www.DeveloperUG.org.za
Join the DeveloperUG
Monthly user group meetings & workshops
Range of topics, from crafting code to web & app technologies
Agenda
Architecture
XAML Tricks
Debugging
Key features for success
3
Warning
This is not an intro session to Windows Store apps
Some concepts will be mentioned briefly
4
First tip – UPDATE VISUAL STUDIO!
Better manifest designer
Mixed mode & ARM debugging
JavaScript memory analysis & profiling
Data-driven unit tests
C++ unit testing
First tip – UPDATE VISUAL STUDIO!
Unit testing on UI thread & Assert.ThrowsException
Better XAML designer
Latest App Certification Kit
HTML Visual Profiler
Updated Blend for VS (WPF, Sketchflow, Store apps)
Architecture & Mini-tricks
Look at alternatives from the out the box templates
MVVM & ViewStateManager
CallerMemberInfo & Setters for Navigation
Architecture & Mini-tricks
Image ©TJFLEX2 on Flickr
Visual States without ViewStateManager
Page load: TreasureMapPage.xaml
Current State: FullScreen
Load UI: Views.FullScreen.TreasureMapPage
Load UI: Views.TreasureMapPage
Page binds ViewModel
Advantages of sans ViewStateManager
Convention based binding
Can make complex views easier to work with
Fallback means all states are handled
Disadvantages of sans ViewStateManager
Need to re-implement navigation system
Convention based binding
Could result in ViewModel re-creations
MVVM Frameworks
MVVM Light Toolkit
AtomicMVVM
Caliburn.Micro
& many more
Review: Architecture
Embrace MVVM
ViewStateManager: Has loads of uses!
http://bit.ly/w8sampleapp
Review: Mini-Tricks
CallerMemberName: Solving MVVM pains!
Setters for navigation, provides ideal code
Debugging
How to easily debug background tasks, share & search
Visual Studio debugging
Debugging
Review: Debugging
Background tasks – via the run option
Share/Search – via do not launch
VS has a wealth of debug options!
Key features for success
Feel like part of the OS!
Track your app
Move from reviews (1-way) to feedback (2-way)
Key features for success
Image © Nick Sherman on Flickr
Windows Store: Crash & Ratings
Windows Store: Downloads & usage
MarkedUp: Version usage
MarkedUp: Installs by manufacturer
MarkedUp: Usage, crash, errors & logs
MarkedUp: Custom events
You always get reviews
Review: Key features for success
Callisto – USE IT!
Stats, embrace them! Use MarkedUp for additional stats!
Get a two way feedback channel in your app!
Review: Tips & Tricks
Get the architecture correct
Debugging is easy
Prepare for success
Contact
@rmaclean
www.sadev.co.za
Thank you!