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The Hackathon Guide to Windows 8 Apps

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This post is  summary to an blog post I wrote  last week.   Please view original post  here.  A Hacker's Guide to Windows 8 Apps is a four step guide to building apps at a hackathon on the  Windows platform.

Step1 : Build

Get  free Tools !!!

To get you on your way to free tools all you need is : a Microsoft account (Hotmail.com, Live.com, outlook.com);  and your academic account. Once  you have set up your DreamSpark account fill free to start downloading all the tools you need.

Download List 

Step 2 :  Cloud

Get Azure

Windows Azure enables you to quickly build, deploy and manage web applications and services.  With a couple of clicks you  can simply spin websites, VMs , mobile services  just to mention a few.

How to get  Windows Azure ?

At a  hackathon there are a couple of ways you  can get  Windows Azure these are :

  1. Sign up for a 30 day trial at WindowsAzure.com
  2. Sign up for BizSpark the perfect program to get your startup up and running .
    A couple  of  successful apps and startups were started at hackathons.  So, if there is ever a time to sign up for BizSpark it is now.  In addition to other resources BizSpark  provides you with a free subscription to Windows Azure for three years.
  3. Give a great big smile  to the Microsoft Evangelist. If you at  Microsoft  sponsored event there is a possibility that a friendly Evangelist is close by.  SOMETIMES we may  have  BizSpark code that give  you automatic enrollment into the program.   Find us quick the codes are usually in limited supply.

 

Step 3: Create

Try APIs

Hackathons require their participants to be nimble and creative.  APIs are great way for you to  build  quick apps with rich content.  With APIs offered by  Mashery, APIhub, Nokia,  Open Data, Tumblr,  Bing API, Instagram, Windows APIs etc you could be building a functional app over a weekend.  Use your web skills with HTML5 & JS or  use your java or C skills to try XAML & C# to build an app.

To get you started to  APIs on the Windows platform all you have to do is :

  • Register for an API key for the APIs of your choice.
  • To get started with APIs on the Windows platform check out our one of our StarterKits  in  HTML5 & JS or XAML & C#.

Step 4: Launch

Win Prizes

"How do I win the cool Tablet, amazing Xbox, the latest phone, a giftcard etc? "

The Answer

BUILD & LAUNCH A GREAT WINDOWS APP.   And most Importantly have fun !

Submit your app to the Windows Store and become a global winner.