Silverlight is a Powerful Development Tool For Creating Engaging, Interactive User Experiences For Web and Mobile Applications.

Microsoft Silverlight, introduced in 2007, was a groundbreaking web application framework that reshaped the digital landscape. This technology allowed developers to craft captivating Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) and immersive multimedia experiences for both desktop and mobile platforms. It swiftly emerged as a formidable challenger to Adobe Flash, which at the time dominated the realm of web-based multimedia content.

Silverlight was engineered for versatility, capable of running seamlessly on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its compatibility extended to all major web browsers, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome. Underpinning its prowess was the .NET Framework, incorporating a subset of XAML, a markup language also employed in Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), a companion technology geared towards desktop applications.

What truly set Silverlight apart was its prowess in delivering high-fidelity multimedia content – from videos to animations – directly within web browsers. Its capacity to handle interactive graphics and provide fluid, responsive user interfaces made it the preferred choice for crafting multimedia-rich websites, online games, and video streaming services.

Moreover, Silverlight's ability to seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft tools, like SharePoint and Office, was a boon for developers. This tight integration facilitated the creation of applications that effortlessly meshed with Microsoft's broader ecosystem.

Another feather in Silverlight's cap was its adaptability. Developers had the freedom to craft their own controls and themes, enabling them to fashion distinct and engaging user interfaces tailored precisely to their applications and websites.

However, as the mid-2010s dawned, Silverlight's luster began to wane. HTML5, a web standard boasting similar capabilities to Silverlight but without the need for a separate plugin or runtime environment, surged in popularity. HTML5 was also universally supported by major web browsers, making it a more accessible choice for developers.

Additionally, Microsoft's announcement in 2012 that it would cease active development of Silverlight prompted many developers to shift to alternative technologies like HTML5 and JavaScript.

Today, Silverlight has faded into obscurity, with numerous websites and applications originally built upon it having migrated to more contemporary technologies. Nonetheless, Silverlight leaves behind a legacy of innovation and creativity within the web development realm, and its profound impact on the industry should not be underestimated.

Microsoft Silverlight was a dynamic web application framework brimming with a multitude of capabilities for developers to craft captivating and interactive web encounters. Let's delve into the remarkable features that defined Silverlight:

1. IIS Smooth Streaming: Within Silverlight's arsenal, resided the prowess of IIS Smooth Streaming. This technology elevated video delivery over the internet by adapting video quality in real-time to match viewers' varying internet speeds. The result? Uninterrupted and seamless video playback, even on slower connections.

2. PivotViewer: Enter PivotViewer, a data visualization gem empowering developers to sculpt interactive repositories for vast datasets. With PivotViewer's wizardry, users could effortlessly navigate through data, employing filters, sorts, and groupings. It became a prized tool for applications grappling with copious data, like online marketplaces and data-driven websites.

3. SketchFlow: Developers found a trusted ally in SketchFlow, a tool tailored for crafting interactive wireframes and prototypes. SketchFlow expedited design iteration and facilitated stakeholder feedback. It eased the sharing of designs and the incorporation of user input into the design evolution.

4. Deep Zoom: Silverlight unveiled Deep Zoom, enabling the creation of high-resolution images that could be zoomed in and out without sacrificing quality. This technology birthed immersive and interactive experiences, such as virtual tours and online art galleries.

5. Pixel Shader Effects: Leveraging the GPU's might, Silverlight granted developers the capacity to conjure intricate visual effects with pixel shader effects. Realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows became within reach, ushering in a new era of visual finesse.

6. Media Format Extensibility: Silverlight played well with a spectrum of media formats, from WMV to AAC and H.264. But its real ace was media format extensibility, enabling developers to create bespoke media handlers for diverse formats.

7. Perspective 3D Graphics: Immerse yourself in Silverlight's 3D realm. Perspective 3D graphics brought forth captivating and interactive 3D worlds, opening avenues for 3D maps, product showcases, and captivating games.

8. Skinning and Styling: Silverlight's prowess extended to the realm of aesthetics. Developers wielded the ability to craft tailor-made skins and styles, not just for controls like buttons and text boxes but also for shaping the entire user interface's distinctive appearance.

In summary, Microsoft Silverlight emerged as a formidable web application framework, endowing developers with an arsenal of tools and features to sculpt web experiences that resonated with richness and interactivity.

System Requirements:

Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 10
(For 32-bit)

Date Added:

1-Nov-2023

License:

Free

Languages:

English, German, Japanese, Polish, Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese

Developer By:

Microsoft Corporation
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us