Getting Started with Windows 8 Apps: A Practical Guide for .NET Developers to Build Touch-Enabled Windows 8 Applications

Introduction

Windows 8 introduced a radical shift in the way users interact with their computers, blending the traditional desktop with a touch-first, tile-based interface. For Indian developers, students, and tech enthusiasts eager to build modern applications for this platform, Getting Started with Windows 8 Apps by Ben Dewey serves as the perfect launchpad. Published by O'Reilly Media, this hardcover guide offers a practical, example-driven approach to creating complete, touch-enabled applications that harness native sensors and the Windows Runtime. Whether you are a seasoned .NET developer or a curious learner, this book equips you with the C# code samples and architectural insights needed to thrive in the Windows 8 ecosystem.

Book Overview

This book is a hands-on, project-based guide that walks you through building a real-world Bing Image Search app from scratch. Instead of dry theory, you will learn by doing — from setting up the initial project to publishing your finished app on the Windows Store. The author covers the entire lifecycle of a Windows 8 app, including UI design, data retrieval, state management, and integration with native OS features like tiles, file pickers, and sharing requests. Written in clear, accessible language, the book assumes you have some experience with .NET and C#, making it ideal for Indian professionals and students already familiar with Microsoft technologies.

Key Highlights

• Hands-on project: Build a fully functional Bing Image Search app step by step.
• Touch-first design: Learn to create intuitive, touch-enabled interfaces for tablets and PCs.
• Native sensor integration: Use accelerometer, GPS, and other sensors in your apps.
• MVVM pattern: Master the Model-View-ViewModel architecture for clean, maintainable code.
• Windows Runtime: Understand the app model, lifecycle, and tombstoning (state preservation).
• Store readiness: Get practical guidance on packaging and publishing to the Windows Store.

Inside the Book

The book is structured around the development of a single, complete application. You begin with a high-level overview of Windows 8 features — from the Start Screen to in-app elements like the Application Bar. Each chapter adds a new layer: retrieving data from a web service, designing the user interface, implementing the MVVM pattern, handling app suspension and resumption (tombstoning), and finally integrating native OS capabilities such as live tiles, file pickers, and sharing contracts. The final chapters guide you through testing, certification, and publishing your app to the Windows Store. Every concept is reinforced with C# code examples that you can adapt for your own projects.

Key Topics

• Windows 8 app architecture and the Windows Runtime
• Building a Bing Image Search app with C#
• UI design for touch and mouse input
• MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel) pattern implementation
• App lifecycle management and tombstoning
• Working with live tiles, toast notifications, and badges
• File pickers and sharing data between apps
• Using native sensors (accelerometer, GPS, etc.)
• Packaging, testing, and publishing to the Windows Store

Reader Benefits

• Gain practical, project-based experience with Windows 8 app development.
• Learn to build apps that work seamlessly on touch devices — essential for India's growing tablet market.
• Master the MVVM pattern, a skill valuable for any modern .NET developer.
• Understand how to integrate native Windows 8 features to create richer user experiences.
• Get clear guidance on app store submission, helping you reach a global audience.
• Build a portfolio-worthy project that demonstrates your skills to employers or clients.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this book, you will be able to design, develop, and deploy a complete Windows 8 app using C# and the Windows Runtime. You will understand the app lifecycle, manage state during suspension and resumption, and implement touch-friendly UIs. You will also know how to leverage native OS features like tiles, file pickers, and sharing contracts, as well as integrate sensor data. Finally, you will be equipped to package your app and publish it on the Windows Store, ready for users in India and around the world.

Who Should Read

• .NET developers who want to transition to Windows 8 app development.
• C# programmers looking to build touch-enabled applications for tablets and PCs.
• Computer science students in India who want to learn modern app development with Microsoft technologies.
• Tech entrepreneurs aiming to create and publish apps for the Windows ecosystem.
• IT professionals seeking to upgrade their skills for the Windows 8 platform.

About the Author

Ben Dewey is an experienced software developer and author with deep expertise in Microsoft technologies, including .NET, C#, and Windows app development. He has worked on a wide range of projects, from enterprise applications to consumer-facing apps, and is known for his clear, practical teaching style. His hands-on approach helps readers quickly grasp complex concepts and apply them in real-world scenarios. Ben is also an active contributor to the developer community, sharing insights through writing, speaking, and open-source projects.

About the Publisher

O'Reilly Media is a globally respected publisher of technology books, known for its high-quality, practitioner-focused content. With a catalog spanning programming, web development, data science, and emerging technologies, O'Reilly books are trusted by developers, students, and professionals worldwide. Their titles are characterized by clear explanations, real-world examples, and a commitment to helping readers master the tools and platforms that shape the tech industry. This hardcover edition is a durable addition to any Indian developer's library.

Conclusion

Getting Started with Windows 8 Apps is an essential resource for anyone looking to build modern, touch-enabled applications for the Windows platform. With its project-based approach, practical C# code, and comprehensive coverage of the Windows Runtime, this book bridges the gap between traditional .NET development and the new world of Windows 8. Whether you are a student in Bangalore, a developer in Mumbai, or a tech enthusiast in Delhi, this guide will empower you to create apps that are not only functional but also delightful to use. Order your copy from Bookshops.in today and take the first step toward mastering Windows 8 app development.