Should i start learning WPF now or wait?

Basically i'm juggling if i should invest time on it, because i know with every CTP release there seem to be namespace changes, or elements being pulled out of the entire model.

So when are they locking in all that and stopping the changes?

When does WPF RTM? Parallel to Vista's RTM?


Thanks guys.

Also, what should one person do to start off learning about WPF, is it really necessary to code raw in XAML or should one just really rely on graphics apps to general XAML for you?

As far as I know, WPF RTMs parallel to Vista (unfortunately; I would have liked to see an earlier version for XPSP2 and 2K3).

But as far as the object model is concerned, I don't think that a lot is about to change anymore. Remember that 2 major parts (WCF and WF) of WinFX have already Go-Live licenses, and WPF will soon follow.

Regarding XAML code I would really recommend to learn writing it using a text editor (with intellisense support). XAML creates object hierarchies, and as soon as you have to write C# or VB.NET code to interact with your XAML, you are far better off if you know what that XAML code does. Of course once you're comfortable reading and writing XAML, you can use a design tool of your choice. It's only important to be able to understand the code the tool generates.

You're just like me, you should have been learning this over a year ago. It's always good to be ahead in technologies.

it's worth learning it now, i write my degree dissertation with a friend about WinFX/WPF and it's very interesting to be ahead in knowledge about this this technology

Thanks for the reply guys!!

Yeah i'm so keen on learning it, but my second biggest problem is that, i don't know which source has the most up to date information, like even the Vista MSDN site has examples that are outdated and cannot be compiled for the current CTPs.

Where should i go to learn the basics which are set already and aren't going to just change. I think i want a good grasp of the entire model etc.

Thanks for everyones help!!

Winston Pang wrote:

...

Where should i go to learn the basics which are set already and aren't going to just change. I think i want a good grasp of the entire model etc.

Thanks for everyones help!!

You may wanna check Code Project (www.codeproject.com) for some starters.

Haven't check for WPF in particular but I found a good article that explained the Workflow framework quite well.

In addition, MSDN blogs dedicated to WPF may be of good informaiton.

Do post back any links that you come across as this may benefit all.

HTH.

WPF may be colourful but WWF and WCF are really handy, don't get to distracted and only look at WPF.

littleguru wrote:



I bought a book on it a few weeks ago. I should also start to read that thing:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596101139/sr=8-1/qid=1146590014/ref=sr_1_1/104-6246949-0648722?%5Fencoding=UTF8

 

That book looks great from the reviews, but be sure to realize that the code examples were developed for the September CTP. I'd rather wait until he publishes the release edition.

EDIT: My university gives me access to books24x7.com. They have the book Professional WinFX Beta. Perhaps you would like to take a look at it?