Silverlight is a Web browser plugin that enables functions such as animation, streaming media, vector graphics, and audio-video playback that characterize rich Internet applications. It only requires a simple download, after which most end-users are not even aware that it's running. This helpful guide covers everything you need to know in order to start creating applications in Silverlight 4 and then moves on to key topics such as controls, data binding, skinning, using Visual Studio tools, and more.

Whether you have just the most basic programming skills and are interested in learning to develop Silverlight apps or you are an experienced developer looking for an understandable guide on the newest version of Silverlight, Microsoft Silverlight 4 For Dummies is ideal for a wide audience.

• The Silverlight plugin enables animation, streaming media, vector graphics, and audio-video playback
• Shows you how to create applications in Silverlight 4
• Covers important Silverlight topics including controls, data binding, skinning, animations, and more
• Discusses how to best use the offering of tools from Visual Studio

Get enlightened and start creating Silverlight 4 applications with this book by your side.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Silverlight makes stunning Web effects — animation, streaming media, audiovisual playback — easier than you could have imagined. Whether you're new to Web design or just to Silverlight, this book is packed with all the info you need to start creating applications using Visual Studio and Expression Blend.

• Getting started — find out what you need to get started with Silverlight and download the necessary tools

• Gain control — style and manipulate Silverlight controls such as text boxes and buttons, and create your own

• Make it move — enrich your user interface with animations that upload fast and don't devour bandwidth

• Stick things together — understand data binding and how it supports your applications and streamlines programming

• Much ADO about data — work with ADO.NET Data Services and WCF RIA Services to create versatile business applications

Open the book and find:

• How Silverlight delivers a rich user experience

• Clear examples of XAML

• Tips on drawing shapes and doing animation

• Advice on the best tools to use with Silverlight

• Effective ways to work with controls

• How to customize controls and create your own

Learn to:

• Develop seamless cross-platform, cross-browser Web applications

• Design visually rich user interfaces with ease

• Use Expression Blend and Visual Studio® with Silverlight

• Deliver application data efficiently with WCF RIA Services and ADO.NET

Ten ways to get more from Silverlight

How to connect to your data on demand

Visit the companion Web site at www.dummies.com/go/silverlight4fd to find all the code used in this book and save yourself time and effort.