Code libraries, toolkits and other sources of help
[This article is for Windows 8.x and Windows Phone 8.x developers writing Windows Runtime apps. If you’re developing for Windows 10, see the latest documentation]
The Microsoft developer community and other third-parties have created many toolkits and frameworks to help you. Check them out!
Visual Studio enhancements
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Callisto is a collection of controls and helpers for XAML, including a very useful Flyout control for handling settings for Windows 8 apps (Windows 8.1 has a Flyout control as standard).
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The WinRT XAML Toolbox provides enhanced XAML controls, including buttons, textblocks, app bars, as well as dozens of helpers, convertors, extensions and debugging aids.
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NuGet is a Visual Studio extension that makes it easy to install and update third-party libraries and tools. You can use NuGet to download Callisto and the XAML Toolkit directly into your projects.
Information
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Use jQuery 1.7 and later (and other HTML enhancements) in your JavaScript Windows Store app.
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The MSDN Channel 9 web site contains many hours of videos covering Windows Store app development, covering everything from getting started to advanced topics.
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Stay up-to-date with Windows Store app development news, and discover sample code and tips.
Cross-Platform Portable Class Libraries
A useful collection of PCLs: code you can use on multiple platforms to simplify app development.
Authoring tools
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A 3D game environment.
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A game authoring environment.
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A game authoring environment.
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A cross-platform authoring environment.
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Use the DirectX API from .NET languages, such as C#.
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An open source XNA replacement.
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A cross-platform C# development tool.
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A cross-platform code library for sprite handling and physics modeling.
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An HTML based game library.
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A cross-platform SDK.
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A cross-platform development tool.
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An HTML/JavaScript/CSS coding library.
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An authoring environment specifically for games.
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A C++ based 3D rendering game engine.
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An HTML based game development tool.
Related topics
Topics for iOS devs