Programming the Windows Runtime by Example: A Comprehensive Guide to WinRT with Examples in C# and XAML

1. The New Windows Runtime

The Windows Runtime (WinRT) provides developers with an object-oriented, language-independent application programming interface (API) for creating applications that run on the Windows 8.1, Windows RT, and Windows Server 2012 and later operating systems. It is based on existing technologies such as the .NET Framework and the decades-old Common Object Model (COM) specification. Microsoft used the best parts of these existing technologies to create something better. Instead of using the .NET Framework to execute code, WinRT is an unmanaged object-oriented runtime that supports multiple development languages. Managed developers can use WinRT from the .NET Framework, thanks to an updated version of the Common Language Runtime ...