Fundamentals of Building .NET 5 Desktop Applications from Pluralsight

To build a desktop app with .NET and C#, you can choose between different UI frameworks. This course teaches you what UI frameworks you can use and how to build .NET desktop apps for Windows with WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms.

To build desktop applications with .NET and C#, you can choose between different UI frameworks. In this course, Fundamentals of Building .NET 5 Desktop Applications, you’ll learn to create Windows desktop apps with WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms. First, you’ll explore the different UI frameworks that you can use to build Windows desktop apps and cross-platform desktop apps with .NET and C#. Next, you’ll learn how to choose a UI framework for your project. Finally, you’ll learn how to build Windows desktop apps with WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms, and while building these apps you'll learn about important concepts for desktop apps like XAML, layout, the MVVM pattern, and data binding. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of the .NET UI frameworks that are needed to build your own Windows desktop applications with .NET and C#.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Knowing the UI Frameworks for .NET Desktop Apps

Creating Your First WinUI App

Building Your First WPF App

Writing Your First Windows Forms App

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the fundamentals of building .NET 5 desktop applications, including core concepts such as XAML, layout, the MVVM pattern, and data binding

Suitable for beginners who want to build desktop applications with .NET and C#

Covers the different UI frameworks available for building Windows desktop apps, including WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms

Provides hands-on experience in building desktop apps with each UI framework

Taught by Thomas Claudius Huber, an experienced instructor in .NET and desktop development

May not be suitable for learners who already have experience with UI frameworks or desktop development

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Building .NET 5 Desktop Applications with these activities:

Practice C# coding basics

Show steps

Refresh your understanding of C# coding basics, such as data types, variables, operators, and control flow, to ensure a strong foundation for building desktop apps in .NET.

Show steps

Review online resources and tutorials on C# basics.
Practice writing simple C# programs.
Complete coding challenges or exercises.

Review WPF basics

Show steps

Review key WPF concepts, such as XAML, data binding, and event handling, to refresh your understanding and prepare for building .NET desktop apps.

Browse courses on WPF

Show steps

Review XAML syntax and structure
Practice creating simple WPF applications using basic controls
Explore data binding and MVVM pattern
Implement event handling and commands

Review course notes and assignments

Show steps

Regularly review your course notes, assignments, and quizzes to reinforce your understanding of the concepts covered in the course and identify areas that need further attention.

Show steps

Go through your course notes after each lesson.
Review completed assignments and quizzes.
Identify concepts that you need to revisit.

Ten other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 13 activities

Explore Windows Forms tutorials

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of Windows Forms by following online tutorials, deepening your knowledge and expanding your practical skills.

Browse courses on Windows Forms

Show steps

Search for video or written tutorials on Windows Forms
Follow tutorials to create sample applications
Experiment with different controls and features

Practice layout and styling in XAML

Show steps

Complete exercises that focus on layout and styling in XAML to improve your proficiency in designing user interfaces for your .NET desktop apps.

Browse courses on XAML

Show steps

Create a new XAML file and define the layout using Grid, StackPanel, and DockPanel.
Apply styles to controls using Brushes, Fonts, and Margins.
Practice creating custom controls and templates.

Build a simple WinUI app

Show steps

Apply your understanding of WinUI by creating a practical application, reinforcing core concepts and gaining hands-on experience.

Browse courses on WinUI

Show steps

Design the UI using XAML
Implement data binding and event handling
Test and debug the application

Build a simple WinForms app

Show steps

Create a simple WinForms app to gain hands-on experience with the framework and reinforce your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Windows Forms

Show steps

Create a new WinForms project in Visual Studio.
Design the user interface using the Form Designer.
Write code to handle user input and perform calculations.
Test and debug your app to ensure it works correctly.

Volunteer as a mentor in a programming community

Show steps

By mentoring others in a programming community, you can reinforce your understanding of the course material while helping others learn and develop their skills in a supportive environment.

Show steps

Join a programming community or online forum.
Offer your help to beginner programmers.
Answer questions and provide guidance.

Explore the MVVM pattern for data binding

Show steps

Follow online tutorials and documentation to learn about the MVVM pattern for data binding in .NET desktop apps, which will enhance your ability to create maintainable and testable applications.

Browse courses on MVVM Pattern

Show steps

Understand the principles of the MVVM pattern and its benefits.
Implement data binding using ViewModels and data models.
Practice using commands and events for user interaction.

Solve XAML code challenges

Show steps

Sharpen your XAML skills by solving coding challenges, improving your understanding of syntax, structure, and best practices.

Browse courses on XAML

Show steps

Find online XAML coding challenges
Attempt to solve challenges самостоятельно
Review solutions and learn from successful approaches

Develop a prototype for a desktop app

Show steps

Design and build a prototype for a desktop app using the knowledge and skills acquired in the course to demonstrate your understanding and proficiency in creating functional Windows desktop applications.

Browse courses on Prototyping

Show steps

Define the scope and requirements of your app.
Create a UI prototype using wireframing tools or design software.
Implement basic functionality using .NET and C#.
Test and refine your prototype to ensure it meets the requirements.

Build a desktop app that solves a personal need

Show steps

Create a desktop application that addresses a personal need or problem to apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting, fostering problem-solving abilities and project management experience.

Show steps

Identify a personal need or problem that can be solved with a desktop app.
Design and prototype the app.
Implement the app using .NET and C#.
Test and refine the app.

Develop a cross-platform desktop application

Show steps

Consolidate your knowledge by creating a cross-platform desktop application that utilizes multiple UI frameworks, demonstrating proficiency in integrating different technologies.

Browse courses on Cross-Platform

Show steps

Choose a cross-platform UI framework
Design and implement the application logic
Test and deploy the application on different platforms

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Building .NET 5 Desktop Applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects design and oversee the implementation of computer networks. This course would be useful for those looking to become a Computer Network Architect as it covers how to build Windows desktop apps with WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms, which are commonly used in the design and implementation of computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and Information Systems Managers plan, implement, and oversee the use of computer and information systems in organizations. This course would be useful for those looking to become a Computer and Information Systems Manager as it covers how to build Windows desktop apps with WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms, which are commonly used in the management and maintenance of computer and information systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer and Information Systems Manager

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect information systems. This course would be useful for those looking to become an Information Security Analyst as it covers how to build Windows desktop apps with WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms, which are commonly used in the implementation and maintenance of information security systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

User Interface Designer

User Interface Designers create and design the user interfaces for software applications. This course would be useful for those looking to become a User Interface Designer as it covers how to build Windows desktop apps with WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms, which are widely used in the design of user interfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Interface Designer

Software Test Engineer

Software Test Engineers test and evaluate software systems. This course would be useful for those looking to become a Software Test Engineer as it covers how to build Windows desktop apps with WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms, which are commonly used in the testing and evaluation of software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Test Engineer

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. This course would be useful for those looking to become a Computer Systems Analyst, as it covers how to build Windows desktop apps with WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms, which are commonly used in the analysis and design of computer systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Information Systems Manager

Information Systems Managers plan, implement, and oversee the use of information systems in organizations. This course would be useful for those looking to become an Information Systems Manager as it covers how to build Windows desktop apps with WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms, which are commonly used in the implementation and maintenance of information systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Systems Manager

Network Systems Administrator

Network Systems Administrators plan, implement, and oversee the use of computer networks. This course may be useful for those looking to become a Network Systems Administrator as it covers how to build Windows desktop apps with WinUI, WPF, and Windows Forms, which are commonly used in the management and maintenance of computer networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Systems Administrator

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. This course may be helpful for those looking to become a Systems Analyst as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to build Windows desktop applications with .NET and C#, which are common in business environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Software Architect

Software Architects design and oversee the development of software systems. This course may be of use to those looking to become a Software Architect, as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to build Windows desktop applications with .NET and C#, which are common in the software development industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain the code that makes software work. This course would be useful to those looking to become a Computer Programmer as it focuses on how to build Windows desktop apps with .NET and C#, which are widely used in the software development industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain computer software. This course may be useful for those looking to get into this field as it provides the skills and knowledge needed to build Windows desktop applications with .NET and C#, which are commonly used by Software Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers create and maintain websites. While this course focuses on building Windows desktop apps, the skills and knowledge gained, such as understanding XAML, layout, and data binding, can also be applied to web development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. This course may be of some use to those looking to become a Database Administrator, as it covers concepts like data binding, which is used in managing and accessing data in databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation. This course may be of some use to those looking to become a Technical Writer, as it covers concepts like XAML, layout, and data binding, which are used in the creation and maintenance of technical documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer