Abstract: Described are data source objects, which provide data from a resource to an application program, such as a data collection for binding to user interface elements. A data source that matches a resource type is specified by an application program, such as via markup language (e.g., XAML). At runtime, a data source object is instantiated as an indirection between the resource and the application data, e.g., the data collection bound to a user interface element. The data source object retrieves data from the data provider resource via asynchronous and/or background communication operations, and with marshaling the data as necessary to deliver it on the original user interface context. Data sources provide integration to major data models, including CLR objects, XML, Sql/ADO, and WinFS, supporting straightforward declarative and parameterized queries while allowing customized behavior using code for more advanced scenarios. An application can define its own customized data source objects.

Abstract: An improved system and method for displaying a user interface object using an associated style is provided. To this end, an application may include style declarations that may associate a style resource with a user interface object. The style resource may define property values that may be selectively applied to a user interface object, may specify a visual representation for the user interface object, such as a visual subtree, and may specify additional property values to be conditionally applied to a user interface object. A styling engine may be provided for applying a style resource to a user interface object. A visual representation of the user interface objects with the applied property values may be generated and then a display representation may be rendered for presentation on a user interface display.

Abstract: A data-binding engine is used to perform command binding. A data binding engine binds user interface controls such as buttons, menus, list boxes, etc. to commands exposed on an application model. A data source and data binding path may be specified in a markup language that defines how the commands are bound to UI elements.

Abstract: In an implementation of data binding, a bind object implements an apply-value interface, and a user interface element has a user interface property with an associated value which is designated as the bind object in a markup language. A platform processes the markup language and calls the apply-value interface of the bind object with arguments that include the user interface element and the user interface property to generate an expression such that the associated value of the user interface property can be determined.

Abstract: In an implementation of data association, a data item has a data item property with an associated value and a user interface element has an element property with a value that can be defined by an association to the data item property. A binding definition associates the element property of the user interface element with the data item property such that an application program which generates a user interface for display can be developed independent of the data item, and such that the data item can be developed independent of display-related information corresponding to the user interface element.

Abstract: The application programming interfaces described herein are directed at property management mechanisms that operate within an on-demand property system. The property management mechanisms support the caching of property values on an as needed basis, allow a plurality of object instances to utilize the same property via attached properties, overriding default information associated with a property on a per type basis, obtaining values for a property from an external source, and the like. In addition, the on-demand property system provides validation and control for each property instance. The property management mechanisms minimize the storage requirements and provide flexibility without requiring additional code from the developers.

Abstract: The techniques and mechanisms described herein are directed at property management mechanisms that operate within an on-demand property system. The property management mechanisms support the caching of property values on an as needed basis, allow a plurality of object instances to utilize the same property via attached properties, overriding default information associated with a property on a per type basis, obtaining values for a property from an external source, and the like. In addition, the on-demand property system provides validation and control for each property instance. The property management mechanisms minimize the storage requirements and provide flexibility without requiring additional code from the developers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and associating or combining visual style information with data content. The present invention relates to associating a shared set of style information with two or more objects or items that are to be displayed as part of a list or some other visual grouping of the items. By sharing the style information, i.e., the visual representation characteristics information, a program developer need only define the style information or style once. Upon defining the style, the developer can declaratively associate all the items in the list or group with the defined style.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for controlling user interface (UI) properties with data. An application is separated into independent parts, a logic portion and a UI portion. The logic portion manipulates data values within the application. The UI portion is responsible for displaying UI properties. A binding specification describes a relationship between the UI property and the data value. The binding specification is used by system level code to determine the manner in which it is notified when the data value undergoes a change and the manner in which it directs the UI portion to reflect the change in the UI property. The binding specification identifies a source data item, a path to the data value in the source data item, a target UI element, and the UI property on the target UI element. The binding may be specified using code or markup language.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for controlling user interface (UI) properties with data. An application is separated into independent parts, a logic portion and a UI portion. The logic portion manipulates data values within the application. The UI portion is responsible for displaying UI properties. A binding specification describes a relationship between the UI property and the data value. The binding specification is used by system level code to determine the manner in which it is notified when the data value undergoes a change and the manner in which it directs the UI portion to reflect the change in the UI property. The binding specification identifies a source data item, a path to the data value in the source data item, a target UI element, and the UI property on the target UI element. The binding may be specified using code or markup language.

Abstract: A composite user interface element can be assembled from plural sub-elements. A simplified view of the representation of the user interface element can be provided wherein the composited user interface element appears to be a single element. When defined, various nodes for representing the user interface can be designated as selectively exposable. Such selectively exposable nodes can be ignored when performing operations via the simplified view. Accordingly, programmers can write code that need not take the complexity of the composite user interface element into account. Property determination can be done in light of the selectively exposable nodes. A simplified view can support nested user interface elements having respective selectively exposable nodes.