This book introduces novice developers to a range of data access strategies for storing and retreiving data both locally and remotely. It provides you with a range of fully working data access solutions and the insight you need to know when, and how, to apply each of the techniques to best advantage. Focussing specifically on how the Windows 8 app developer can work with the Windows Runtime (often called Windows RT) framework this book provides careful analysis of the many options you have open to you, along with a comparision of their strengths and weaknesses under different conditions. With the days of a single database being the right choice for almost all development projects long gone. You will lean that the right choice for your app now depends on a variety of factors and getting it right will be critical to your customer's end user experience. We cover a range of data access strategies ranging from storing and retrieving data locally using the JET API, to using the most popular open and closed source database products like SQLite and SQL Server. We look at how lightweight HTML and JavaScript apps work well with equally feather-weight data stores like IndexedDB. We'll also introduce you to more advanced data access techniques like REST (JSON), WCF RIA Services, ASP.NET MVC 4 Web API and Windows Azure that can hugely expand the horizons of what it is possible for your app to do as storage - and even processing - are taken beyond the confines of your user's device. By the time you have read this book you will be familiar with the key data access considerations you will need to evaluate as you build you apps and you will be able to confidently select the data access architecture that is most appropriate to the app you want to build.

Learn to use exciting new development tools and create applications for Windows 8 If you're a beginning developer, there's no better place to get up to speed on the Windows 8 SDK than this Wrox guide. A team of Microsoft experts provides a complete course in Windows 8 programming, helping you take full advantage of the innovative new SDK. Written in an easy-to-read style, this book is packed with reusable examples that showcase the endless possibilities of the Windows SDK and also introduces the new Windows 8 app store. It explains how to set up the development environment and covers user interface design, using special effects and graphics, working with C# and C++, and much more. Provides a complete introduction to the Windows SDK and Windows 8, starting with setting up the development environment and building your first application Covers user interface design, touch- and event-driven design elements, leveraging windows-based services, and offline application development with HTML 5 Explores creating C# applications for the Windows 8 system, XNA 4 and Silverlight 5 considerations, and the role of C++ Shows how to debug, certify and deploy your applications Introduces the new Windows 8 app store and offers advice on marketing your apps Beginning Windows 8 Application Development is perfect for anyone who's ready to get started developing apps for the exciting new Windows 8 OS.

Ready to learn Windows 8 programming? Start Here! Learn the fundamentals of Windows 8 programming—and begin creating apps for desktops, laptops, tablets, and other devices. If you have previous experience with HTML5 and JavaScript—simply start here! This book introduces must-know concepts and getting-started techniques through easy-to-follow explanations, examples, and exercises. Here’s where you start learning Windows 8 app development Build on your knowledge of HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript Create photo and media galleries with built-in HTML widgets Interact with the system through live tiles, contracts, and view state detection Store and access data on the local device and via the Internet Access webcam, GPS, and other sensors embedded in the device Create your first programs and publish them to the Windows Store

It is an exciting time to be a Windows developer. The arrival of Windows 8 is a complete game changer. The operating system and its development platform offer you an entirely new way to create rich, full-featured Windows-based applications. This team of authors takes you on a journey through all of the new development features of the Windows 8 platform specifically how to utilize Visual Studio 2012 and the XAML/C# languages to produce robust apps that are ready for deployment in the new Windows Store. Professional Windows 8 Programming: Learn how to utilize XAML to create rich content driven user interfaces Make use of the new AppBar to create a chrome-less menu system See how to support Sensors and Geo-location on Windows 8 devices Integrate your app into the Windows 8 ecosystem with Contracts and Extensions Walks you through the new Windows 8 navigation system for multi-page apps Minimize code with Data Binding and MVVM design patterns Features tips on getting your app ready for the Windows store Maximize revenue for your app by learning about available monetization strategies

Introduces Windows 8, including new features and capabilities, and offers scenario-based insights on planning, implementing, and maintaining the operating system.

Building Windows 8 Apps with JavaScript is the definitive guide for every experienced developer who wants to create, ship, and profit from Windows 8 apps built with HTML5 and JavaScript. Written by Chris Sells, former Visual Studio Principal Program Manager who led the team that built Microsoft’s official Windows 8 JavaScript app templates, and Brandon Satrom, expert web/mobile developer, this book covers every facet of development with Microsoft’s new JavaScript framework and WinRT. The authors guide you through building full-featured Windows Store apps that merge the best aspects of desktop, web, and mobile apps into a single user and developer experience. You’ll learn how to leverage the full power of the Windows 8 platform and integrate services ranging from client-side state to offline storage. Leveraging these techniques, you can deliver information to users faster, more clearly, and more concisely, on whatever devices they prefer. Through complete example projects, Building Windows 8 Apps with JavaScript covers Understanding powerful new improvements in Windows 8 developer experience Using Windows 8’s more flexible binding to update the UI as underlying data changes Creating layouts and typography that fit Windows 8 style and leverage its advantages Working with audio, video, captured media, animation, and HTML5 graphics Making your app “connectable” with PlayTo Integrating WinJS navigation services to improve UI control Maintaining app states built up over time, and sharing them across devices Writing highly responsive async apps Supporting true-touch metaphors and interactions, location data, and sensors Designing apps for the Windows 8 design language Extending JavaScript code to integrate existing C/C++ code or to access Windows capabilities that WinRT doesn’t expose Discovering best practices for monetizing Windows Store apps All of the downloadable examples can be created and run with Microsoft’s free Visual Studio 2012 Express for Windows 8, which includes all you need to build, package, and deploy your Windows Store apps.

Build and optimize Windows Phone 8 apps for performance and security Drill into Windows Phone 8 design and architecture, and learn best practices for building phone apps for consumers and the enterprise. Written by two senior members of the core Windows Phone Developer Platform team, this hands-on book gets you up to speed on the Windows 8 core features and application model, and shows you how to build apps with managed code in C# and native code in C++. You’ll also learn how to incorporate Windows Phone 8 features such as speech, the Wallet, and in-app purchase. Discover how to: Create UIs with unique layouts, controls, and gesture support Manage databinding with the Model View ViewModel pattern Build apps that target Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 7 Use built-in sensors, including the accelerometer and camera Consume web services and connect to social media apps Share code across Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 apps Build and deploy company hub apps for the enterprise Start developing games using Direct3D Test your app and submit it to the Windows Phone Store