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Windows Store Apps

Windows Store apps embody a set of design principles that emphasize simple user interfaces that are centered around content. You create the UI in XAML markup, and the code-behind in native C++. You can also create components (DLLs) that can be consumed by Windows Store apps that are written in other languages. The API surface for Windows Store apps is the Windows Runtime, which is a well-factored library that provides a wide variety of operating system services.

Note

Much of the documentation for Windows Store app development in C++ is on the Windows Developer Center website. Some of the links in this article go to that website.

Windows Store Apps that Use Visual C++ component extensions (C++/CX)

Visual C++ language reference (C++/CX)

Describes the set of extensions that simplify C++ consumption of Windows Runtime APIs and enable error handling that's based on exceptions.

Building apps and libraries (C++/CX)

Describes how to create DLLs and static libraries that can be accessed from a C++/CX app or component.

Tutorial: Create your first Windows Store app using C++

A walkthrough that introduces the basic concepts of Windows Store app development in C++.

Roadmap for Windows Store apps using C++

Provides links to articles about Windows Store app and game development in C++.

Creating Windows Runtime Components in C++

Describes how to create DLLs that other Windows Store apps and components can consume.

Developing games

Describes how to use DirectX and C++ to create games.

Windows Store Apps that Use the Windows Runtime C++ Template Library (WRL)

The WRL provides the low-level COM interfaces by which ISO C++ code can access the Windows Runtime in an exception-free environment. In most cases, we recommend that you use C++/CX instead of the WRL for Windows Store app development. For information about the WRL, see Windows Runtime C++ Template Library (WRL).

See Also

Other Resources

Visual C++ in Visual Studio 2013