Universal Windows Apps (C++)
The latest version of this topic can be found at Universal Windows Apps (C++).
Univeral Windows Platform (UWP) apps embody a set of design principles that emphasize simple user interfaces that are centered around content that automatically adjusts for different screen sizes on different devices. 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 UWP apps that are written in other languages. The API surface for UWP 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 UWP app development in C++ is on the Windows Developer Center website. Some of the links in this article go to that website.
UWP apps that Use 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 8.x Store app development in C++. (Not yet updated for UWP development on Windows 10.) |
| Roadmap for Windows Store apps using C++ | Provides links to articles about Windows 8.x Store app and game development in C++. |
| Creating Windows Runtime Components in C++ | Describes how to create DLLs that other Windows 8.x Store apps and components can consume. |
| Developing games | Describes how to use DirectX and C++ to create games. |
Windows 8.x 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 8.x Store app development. For information about the WRL, see Windows Runtime C++ Template Library (WRL).