WPF sample applications

Question

Are there any WPF sample applications that showoff the 'coolness' of WPF?

I'm hoping to see some examples of the UI capabilities etc., and general structure and best practices.

(oh, and the install shouldn't be too elaborate hehe)

Answer 1

The Best is here:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/tims/archive/2007/06/13/wpf-hands-on-lab-build-an-outlook-2007-ui-clone.aspx
It is a hands-on lab that demonstrates the steps to create a user interface for business applications using WPF and Expression Blend.

Have a nice day.

Answer 2

Have a look at this: WPF real world apps.

Cheers

Answer 3

Family.Show is a great end-to-end reference sample ... done by Vertigo.

I believe that Microsoft commissioned this sample application in order to demonstrate the power of WPF. It definitely shows off some best practices (e.g. how to skin an app, etc.).

Answer 4

I don't know about the "coolness" factor, but Scott Hanselman has an application called Baby Smash.

It's an application that takes over your desktop and allows babies to smash the keyboard to make shapes and play sounds. Again, probably not that "cool". However, Hanselman used this app to learn WPF himself. He hacked it together and put the code on CodePlex. He then invited those who knew WPF much better than himself to refactor it. All the code is available so you can see how it was hacked together and then compare it to the refactored expert version.

Pretty nice if you're looking to actually learn WPF.

Answer 5

You might be interested in the sample applications of the WPF Application Framework (WAF). They show:

• View composition

• UI Workflow (Wizards)

• Command binding / Shortcut Keys

• MVVM pattern, Unit Testing

• Validation

• Entity Framework

• Open/Save FileDialog

• Print Preview / Print Dialog

• Localization

Answer 6

If it is coolness you are after, than I think GPU rendered effects are amazing. Check out the WPF Pixel Shader Effects Library.

Anything by David Teitlebaum from Microsoft is cool as well. Check out this video and then go download a couple of the sample apps from Adam Kinney's blog post ... especially the layered orb sample app.

Mouth dropping, I'd say.