Silverlight Soliloquy: Versions

After my alter-ego determined he was qualified to get started with Silverlight development, he began wondering about versions.

The soliloquy continues:

After exploring http://www.silverlight.net and other related web sites, I am starting to worry about investing time into Silverlight.  It looks like v1.0 is about manipulating XAML with Javascript, while v1.1 is controlling XAML with .net code.  While I am not afraid of Javascript, I would rather develop in .net.  Should I wait?

Hmm.  What if I invest in v1.0, and I have to scrap all of my work when v1.1 comes out?  I better ask Jesse what he recommends...

According to Jesse's response, there is no need to panic about massive re-working of my Silverlight efforts from v1.0 to v1.1.  He really wants the message to be clear:  Nearly everything you learn in 1.0 will move cleanly to 1.1.

Fair enough.  I am going to commit wholeheartedly to learning Silverlight v1.0.

- Shadowman

3 Comments

  • I'm not so convinced. I'd either have to rewrite Javascript in .NET later, or leave Javascript in there when .NET would be better.

    It's also the first steps into a new technology that are the hardest, so why spend time frustrated with trying to write cross-browser Javascript when 1.1 takes that away completely?

    I'm gonna hold out for 1.1. Check my link for my blog post :)

  • As long as Shadowman is in the learning mode (as opposed to developing an RTM product) he might as well learn using the v1.1 alpha bits. It is the same XAML learning experience. I say do as much C# code behind as possible. With v1.1 you can always hook up any javascript code to do things that are not quite ready for prime time in C# in v1.1.

  • Jim,

    Good point about what my (or Shadowman's) objective is. If I am in learning mode, then why not dabble in both versions? If I am wanting to build a product for release, I should be putting more attention on v1.0.

    Shadowman is interested in learning - with an objective of discovering a real-world use in the short term. That said, he does not have blinders on to v1.1. I will make sure that his journey ties the two versions together when appropriate. Thanks for good feedback.

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