Application Development in the .NET Compact Framework 

In the .NET Compact Framework, you can develop applications using most of the technologies available for the full .NET Framework, and you can use exciting features and capabilities exclusively for devices.

In This Section

• Building Applications and Core Tasks
  Describes how to install and configure the .NET Compact Framework, compile programs, and perform other build and configuration tasks.

• Data Access and XML Support
  Describes data access, XML, and binding capabilities with the .NET Compact Framework.

• Encoding and Localization in the .NET Compact Framework
  Contains considerations for localizing device applications.

• Generics in the .NET Compact Framework
  Lists the differences in generics in the .NET Compact Framework compared with the full .NET Framework.

• Graphics and Drawing
  Provides important programming considerations and techniques for developing robust and efficient graphical applications.

• Interoperability in the .NET Compact Framework
  Describes the capabilities for interoperating with native code using the .NET Compact Framework.

• Message Queuing in the .NET Compact Framework
  Describes support for the MSMQ messaging component in the .NET Compact Framework.

• Mobile Direct3D Programming
  Introduces managed Direct3D programming for devices. Microsoft Windows Mobile version 5.0 software for Pocket PCs or Smartphones is required.

• Networking and Connectivity
  Contains considerations for accessing the Internet, using Web services, and programming sockets. Describes infrared features available in the .NET Compact Framework.

• Performance and Diagnostics
  Describes how to use performance counters and logging to improve performance and troubleshoot issues.

• Pocket PC Development and the .NET Compact Framework
  Describes features and controls for developing Pocket PC applications.

• Smartphone Development and the .NET Compact Framework
  Describes features for developing Smartphone applications

• Threading in the .NET Compact Framework
  Describes considerations for using threads in the .NET Compact Framework.

• Windows CE Development
  Describes applications on Windows CE powered devices that are not Pocket PCs or Smartphones.

• Windows Forms Controls in the .NET Compact Framework
  Describes the controls available for .NET Compact Framework applications, how to create custom controls, and unique behaviors of controls in device applications.

Related Sections

.NET Compact Framework How-To Topics

How to: Use the Class Library for the .NET Compact Framework