Getting Started with Windows Phone Application Development
Requirements for Developing Windows Phone Apps
Tools
Surprisingly, the tools to create your own Windows phone apps are available freely. The download is only 3.2 MB and includes all the tools you need to start creating apps. Visit Microsoft's Express Downloads website. Select "Windows Phone Developer Tools." Select "English" as your language and choose where to save the file. Included with the Windows Phone Developer Tools are Visual Studio 2010 Express for Windows Phone, the Windows Phone Emulator, Silverlight for Windows Phone, XNA Game Studio 4.0 and Expression Blend 4 for Windows Phone.
To be on the safe side, download all available Windows updates before installing the developer tools, especially the .NET Framework. Without the latest updates, the Windows Phone Developer Tools may not work correctly. You can access Windows Update by going to "Start" and selecting "Control Panel." Choose "Windows Update" from the "System and Security" section in Windows Vista and Windows 7. For Windows XP users, go to "Start," select "All Programs" and choose "Windows Update" from the top of the programs list.
Installation
Once you've installed all available Windows updates, double click the "vm_web" file to start the installation. Accept the license agreement, choose your installation options and wait for the installation to complete. During the process, Microsoft downloads extra components necessary for the Windows Phone Developer Tools to run smoothly. If you have a slow or dial up connection, be warned that the components are over 300 MB.
After installation, start Visual Studio 2010 Express for Windows Phone and follow the prompts to register your software. Registering gives you access to developer tutorials and tools to help you learn the software.
Selling Apps
Use the developer tools to create your desired app or apps. Use the Windows Phone Emulator to test your app for any bugs before uploading it to the Windows Phone Marketplace. The only catch is the yearly $99 registration fee required in order to create a seller account. If you are a student, meaning you are currently taking classes and have an .edu email address, you can register for free after creating an account through Microsoft's DreamSpark program.
Though I'm not recommending any sites, there are a few places that allow you to sell your apps for free. Do a little research in Windows Phone app forums for suggestions. Research all possible sites thoroughly before uploading your app.
Market Yourself
Uploading an app is easy enough, but to make up for the registration fee, you need to market your app. Post comments on forums, blogs and websites recommending your app, but only where applicable. The last thing you want is to be seen as a spammer.
Published by C.D. Crowder - Featured Contributor in Technology
As a full time freelance writer, I enjoy sharing my expertise in technology, computers, gadgets and software. As such, I am a proud Featured Technology Contributor. I continue to learn and enjoy researching... View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentEddie, check out this the Windows Phone main website @ http://www.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/default.aspx
All Windows compatible devices are listed.
This is really cool! Thanks a bunch, but what phones can use these apps?
Are you kidding me? I didn't know that you could build your own phone apps this easily!
Yeah baby!