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Code libraries, toolkits and other sources of help

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[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

  • Callisto

    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).

  • WinRT XAML Toolkit

    The WinRT XAML Toolbox provides enhanced XAML controls, including buttons, textblocks, app bars, as well as dozens of helpers, convertors, extensions and debugging aids.

  • NuGet

    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

  • jQuery

    Use jQuery 1.7 and later (and other HTML enhancements) in your JavaScript Windows Store app.

  • Channel 9 Videos

    The MSDN Channel 9 web site contains many hours of videos covering Windows Store app development, covering everything from getting started to advanced topics.

  • Windows App Builder Blog

    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

  • Unity3D

    A 3D game environment.

  • GameSalad

    A game authoring environment.

  • Construct 2

    A game authoring environment.

  • Titanium Studio

    A cross-platform authoring environment.

  • SharpDX

    Use the DirectX API from .NET languages, such as C#.

  • MonoGame

    An open source XNA replacement.

  • Xamarin

    A cross-platform C# development tool.

  • Cocos2D-x

    A cross-platform code library for sprite handling and physics modeling.

  • Impact.js

    An HTML based game library.

  • Marmalade

    A cross-platform SDK.

  • OpenFL

    A cross-platform development tool.

  • PhoneGap

    An HTML/JavaScript/CSS coding library.

  • GameMaker

    An authoring environment specifically for games.

  • Unreal Engine

    A C++ based 3D rendering game engine.

  • PlayCanvas

    An HTML based game development tool.

Topics for iOS devs

Resources for iOS devs

Windows 8 controls for iOS devs

Windows 8 cookbook for iOS devs