Getting Started with the Microsoft Platform The Microsoft platform supports applications and solutions designed for the smallest devices as well as the largest enterprises. Software developers who use the Microsoft platform can: - Work with a variety of programming languages, standards, and tools
- Build applications for Windows, Office, the Web, and mobile devices
- Take advantage of the resources that Microsoft provides to help software developers design and build world-class applications
Get started today by learning more about: Additional Resources
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Microsoft development tools support the work of individual developers as well as development teams. - Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 supports multiple programming languages—including those that make use of the .NET Framework for access to key technologies that simplify development of robust applications. These languages include:
- Visual Studio Team System provides tools for architects, developers, project managers, database professionals, and testers. Members of a development team can use these tools to manage reporting, source control, quality metrics, and other components of collaborative development.
- Visual Studio Express editions are free, easy-to-learn tools for hobbyists, novices, and student developers interested in Windows, Web, or database development.
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You can apply the knowledge you have of Win32 or the .NET Framework to build applications for mobile and embedded devices, such as the Pocket PC, SmartPhone, and automotive solutions. Back to Top
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Use the .NET Framework to build and run a variety of applications that range from traditional console applications to web-based solutions. The .NET Framework provides the building blocks for Windows Forms, data-driven applications (ADO.NET), Web Services, and IIS hosted Web Applications (ASP.NET). Code that is written for the .NET Framework is referred to as managed code. In contrast with traditional native code, managed code is written in languages such as Visual C# and Visual Basic and is compiled into Intermediate Language (MSIL) and then translated into machine code before being run. - The .NET Framework supports multiple programming languages. It runs on Windows platforms such as Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows CE, and Windows Server 2003.
- The common language runtime (CLR) provides services that help manage application execution.
- The Framework class libraries streamline the development process and provide access to essential system functions.
- Microsoft .NET Framework version 3.0 (formerly WinFX) includes technologies such as:
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The Microsoft Office System has become a platform that developers use to build solutions for collecting information, automating data entry, managing business processes, and supporting collaboration. These solutions can be built directly into the world-famous Office System. Back to Top
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Enterprise development involves many areas, from design considerations and project management to the coding of applications that run on server-based architectures and products.
- Microsoft's Windows Server System enables organizations to build a flexible IT infrastructure that can reduce complexity and adjust as business needs change.
- Windows Server 2003 provides capabilities that all enterprise applications need—reliability, availability, manageability, scalability, and security—as well as services such as data access, integrated security, and interactive user interfaces.
- The Windows Server System includes applications such as:
- Enterprise developers and architects can also consult the patterns & practices site on MSDN for information and sample code.
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From server to browser, Microsoft offers developers a range of tools and technologies for building, hosting and exposing applications over the Web.
- Microsoft's Web development tools fully support standards such as XML, Web Services, HTML, CSS, and others.
- ASP.NET, a framework for creating dynamic Web applications, is at the center of Microsoft’s Web development platform and is fully integrated with IIS, Microsoft’s secure, scalable, and extensible Web server.
- Developers can give Web applications a rich, more responsive experience through ASP.NET Ajax extensions or by customizing Microsoft Internet Explorer.
- Any developer working with Web technologies can leverage the Visual Studio family of products to rapidly create dynamic web solutions.
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Win32 is the 32-bit application programming interface (API) for modern versions of Windows. COM—the Component Object Model—is the object-oriented successor to Win32.
- Developers can use Win32 and COM to develop solutions in a range of areas, including security, graphics, device drivers, networking, and messaging and collaboration.
- Much of the Win32 API is represented in the Microsoft Foundation Class Library (MFC) which provides classes for objects such as windows and dialog boxes. You can program for Windows in Visual C++ using the Win32 API or MFC.
- The Win32 SDK documentation is a key developer resource for programming for Windows.
- .NET Framework class libraries will eventually provide all the functionality exposed by Win32 and COM APIs. In the meantime you make Win32 and COM calls from the .NET Framework code and vice-versa.
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Learning Resources Get started by browsing the Learning Manager catalog to find a specific learning resource or a comprehensive Learning Plan that fits your current Learning goal. Use Microsoft's Learning Manager to plan and manage your personal learning path so that you can build new skills for a specific project or advance your career. You can track your progress in a personal space where you can save the products that you are interested in and gain insight about products that you have purchased or activated.
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MSDN ResourcesMSDN provides resources that explain how to build software solutions and applications on the Microsoft platform. These resources also help troubleshoot and solve development problems and connect developers with each other and with Microsoft. - MSDN is Microsoft’s website for software developers
- MSDN Search, built using the Windows Live search engine, helps developers find content and sample code on MSDN, in developer communities and forums, in the Support Knowledge Base, and more
- MSDN subscriptions provide you with software, technical support, code samples, technical documentation, and more
- The MSDN Library provides programmer documentation for every Microsoft product
- Developer Centers provide a range of resources for a particular product or technology
- Forums provide resources for getting answers to technical questions
- Getting Started pages like this one provide quick overviews and links to learn more
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