Development related Questions & FAQs

Questions and answers for Development.

2. Development related

2.1 Can I redistribute Silverlight 2 Beta 1 release?

The Go-Live license enables developers to begin deploying new Silverlight 2 applications, as well as deploying updated versions of existing applications

2.2 What exactly is a Go-Live license?

A Go-Live license gives developers and organizations authorization to begin deployment of their applications using pre-RTM code. Our primary recommendation is for developers to use the Go-Live license and the Silverlight 2 Beta 1 to begin building applications with the knowledge that Microsoft will be updating the bits in the future.

2.3 Should developers/organizations wait until Silverlight 2 RTW to build applications?

As with all pre-release software organizations should proceed knowing that things can change. While Microsoft does everything to ensure every Beta reaches a high quality bar, Beta 1 is not meant for mission critical applications. Microsoft recommends that companies begin to experiment and build with the Beta to make sure applications are ready to deploy on subsequent releases.

2.4 What is in Silverlight 1 that is not in Silverlight 2?

Nothing, Silverlight 2 is a full superset of Silverlight 1.0 – it is 100% compatible with Silverlight 1.0 applications and provides significantly more powerful features and functionality. Silverlight 1.0 applications even benefit from improvements in media playback and performance characteristics of Silverlight 2 with no additional work.

2.5 Does the recently released Visual Studio 2008 and Expression Blend work with Silverlight 2 Beta 1?

Yes. To build content that targets the Silverlight 2 Beta 1 released at MIX 08 you should install the Expression Blend 2.5 March 2008 Preview. Visual Studio 2008 also supports Silverlight 2 Beta 1. In both cases you will also need the Silverlight 2 Beta 1 SDK.

2.6 Where can I find Silverlight and associated Software Development Kits (SDKs) for download?

Silverlight bits can be found elsewhere on this site. Developer and designer resources such as the SDK and CTP releases can be found at the MSDN Silverlight site. Another great resource for getting started with Silverlight is the Silverlight community site.

2.7 Are the features of the Macintosh and Windows releases of Silverlight fully compatible?

Yes.

2.8 When would a customer use Silverlight instead of ASP.NET AJAX?

Silverlight integrates with existing Web applications, including ASP.NET AJAX applications. Consequently, ASP.NET AJAX and Silverlight are designed to be complementary technologies. In the broader sense, Silverlight can talk to any AJAX application, both client-side and server-side. ASP.NET AJAX can additionally be used to control Silverlight-based visualization of data or delivery of rich experiences. Examples might include mapping applications or video playback with rich presentation.

2.9 How does Silverlight make the Microsoft development system better?

Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of media experiences and rich interactive applications (RIAs) for the Web. Examples include:

For ASP.NET-based Web applications, Silverlight provides a rich UI front-end that, with a consistent programming model, adds support for richer interactivity, media, and audio.
For Microsoft SharePoint–based content, Silverlight offers the ability to create rich Web parts. For Windows Live services, Silverlight offers the ability to consume services and APIs more effectively.

2.10 When would a customer use Silverlight versus Windows Presentation Foundation? Is Silverlight for a certain type of application?

Microsoft recommends the Windows Presentation Foundation for building rich immersive applications and experiences that can take full advantage of the Windows platform, including UI, Media, offline communication, OS integration, Office integration, peripheral access, Document support and more. Silverlight will be used for broad reach interactive media content and browser-based rich interactive and high-performance applications and experiences.

2.11 What features are missing from Silverlight presentation markup that will be supported in the Windows Presentation Foundation?

Some areas that will not be a part of Silverlight include the support for 3D and GPU rendering found in the .NET Framework. However, we are working hard to make Silverlight a perfect subset of WPF functionality making it possible to easily reuse code, assets, and tools for building applications.

2.12Where can I go to connect with other Silverlight developers to ask questions?

For Silverlight-related forums, blogs, and community resources for the CTP, visit the Silverlight Support and Community page.