The new type of program known as a Windows Store app—optimized to run on Windows 8 devices—has a default view with a full-screen window and no distracting chrome, so the content is the focal point. Windows Store apps support fluid layouts that adapt and scale to a variety of screen sizes and resolutions. They provide a touch-first experience while providing full support for the traditional keyboard and mouse.

MSDN recently released a special Windows 8 issue that covers Windows Store apps. It includes an article I contributed about creating managed Windows Runtime (WinRT) components that can be consumed by Windows Store apps written using any of the available language options, including C++ and HTML/JavaScript. Learn about the requirements needed to create a Windows Runtime Component in C#, how to reference and use it, and how it impacts other language selections when developing Windows Store apps.

The article includes a full example for creating a special component that generates thumbnails and is consumed by C#, C++, and a HTML/JavaScript application as well. The team at Microsoft also provided a VB version.

Read the full article online at Windows Runtime Components in a .NET World.