Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)
The Windows Presentation Foundation (or WPF), is a graphical subsystem in the .NET Framework, which uses a markup language, known as XAML, for rich user interface development. It provides a consistent programming model for building applications and provides a clear separation between the user interface and the business logic. WPF was selected for development of KioskWorks® over web tools for the following reasons.
- WPF fully integrates with PatientWorks® current code base.
- With WPF, a rich, customizable, dynamic user interface can be created at a lower cost point.
- Performance is improved compared to standard web hosting.
- WPF scales easily.
- With WPF, the application can run free of any data connection.
- WPF supports easy interoperability with peripheral devices.
- Building user interfaces is easier and requires less code using XAML.
- WPF allows the process of designing a user interface to be completely separated from developing the code logic.
- With WPF, it’s easy to create 2D and 3D animations.
- WPF supports resolution independence. As DPI increases, WPF applications maintain their size exactly. Instead of shrinking, WPF applications merely get sharper.
- Applications can take advantage of GPU’s on graphics cards for smoother graphics with WPF.
- WPF supports a new model for content under which almost any control can host virtually any other control. This permits very rich user interfaces as almost any control can support 3D graphics, animations and even videos.
- With WPF we have the ability to setup and configure target environments. Therefore, software distribution is not an issue.