CODEWITHSUNDEEP
c#windowsuser-interface
JasonDavis
JasonDavis

Reputation: 48963

How to make Apple style programs in Windows

I have a PHP background. I would like to learn another language to build programs that can be run on Windows. I have my eye on C#.

What I really would like to accomplish is to be able to make programs on Windows that have a better UI then the traditional Windows program generally has. For example, I really like the way Apple/Mac programs look. Apple has iTunes that runs on Windows and looks nothing like a traditional Windows program so I assume it is possible.

So my question, what languages(s) or technologies would you point me towards to accomplish a Windows program that could have a nice UI like the image below instead of the way most Windows programs look?

enter image description here

What languages and technologies would you recommend for building an app that looks like this that can run on Windows?

Upvotes: 2

Views: 614

Answers (4)

codechurn
codechurn

Reputation: 3990

If you are just starting out doing Windows app development and you are coming from a web development background with skills in JavaScript and HTML, why not consider taking a look at doing Metro style applications for Windows 8? There are several session videos available from Microsoft's recent build conference over at http://www.buildwindows.com/Session. You can download the developer preview which comes with a copy of preview versions of Visual Studio and Expression Blend (make sure you download the ISO with tools) from the site as well.

There are over 154 code samples in JavaScript at: code.msdn.microsoft.com.

Upvotes: 0

Branko Dimitrijevic
Branko Dimitrijevic

Reputation: 52137

Take a look at Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) - it has a tremendous visual flexibility that should enable you to emulate whatever UI style you want, including "Apple style".

Take a quick look at WPF Showcase to get a feel for what is possible.

Upvotes: 2

Patrick Pitre
Patrick Pitre

Reputation: 851

There are a variety of 3rd part components you can use to spruce up the look and feel of your application. In no order of importance, a few of the big players are:

  • Telerik
  • DevExpress
  • ComponentOne
  • Infragistics
  • Many others I can't think of off the top of my head

For which ones people like the best, search SO for opinions. Be forewarned, everyone tends to get a bit religious/devoted to the ones they like.

Upvotes: 2

M.Babcock
M.Babcock

Reputation: 18965

Check out MonoTouch. As an alternative you can focus on mobile web development if you'd rather stick to what you know.

Upvotes: 1

Related Questions