Visual Studio and the .NET Compact Framework
The Microsoft .NET Compact Framework is fully integrated into Visual Studio .NET 2003 and later versions, provided the Smart Device Programmability install option is selected for Visual Basic and Visual C# development. These options are selected by default. The .NET Compact Framework does not currently support C++ development. See Smart Device Development in the help topics for more information about developing smart device applications in Microsoft Visual Studio 2005.
Visual Studio Development and Deployment
Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 provides the Smart Device project type for developing applications for Pocket PC, Smartphone, and other Windows CE-based platforms. If you don't have a smart device, you can create and test your smart device applications using emulation technology without leaving the Visual Studio 2005 integrated development environment.
You can use Visual Studio .NET 2003 Professional, or later, to develop .NET Compact Framework applications for devices based on the following platform versions:
Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC
Windows Mobile 2003 for Smartphone
Windows CE 5.0
You can develop applications in Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 for Windows Mobile Version 5.0 software for Pocket PCs and Smartphones by installing their SDKs. For installation instructions, see External Resources for the .NET Compact Framework. Note that the .NET Compact Framework version 2.0 Smartphone development requires Windows Mobile Version 5.0 software for Smartphone.