Ribbon based GUI - Winforms vs WPF

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+2 Q:

Ribbon based GUI - Winforms vs WPF

For a new project, I'm writing an administrative tool as a client software. So far, I've only written some small winforms application with a 'old-lookin' GUI.

I'm thinking of something fresh, new looking like ribbon based design.

The questions that come into my mind are:
1) Should I prefer WPF over Winforms for a ribbon based GUI(though I've never touched WPF before)
2) Are there any recommendations for free ribbon controls? I've found out that Microsoft seems to have this ribbon license, but I still don't get it. Do they offer a full functional ribbon based control? If yes, Winforms or WPF?

+4 A:

A ribbon control has been announced for WPF as 'post RTM'.

And while I like WPF a lot, there is a steep learning curve so the Ribbon alone might be not enough reason to switch. There are 3rd party suppliers out there with ribbons.

Access to newer stuff like Silverlight, multitouch and generally a more modern (more future proof) and powerful GUI platform and the effect on your career might make the case for WPF though.

Henk Holterman 2010-06-03 22:59:46

WPF is definitely a much more solid platform, but you're right, it may not be worth the learning curve. As always, *it depends*.

musicfreak 2010-06-03 23:05:26

So, are you saying that there are currently no wpf ribbon controls available? And yeah you are right, it might be a good idea to get along with wpf, it might help me for future jobs ;)

citronas 2010-06-03 23:11:20

MFC also has the new office ribbon control in it and it's easy to drop into an app. However that opens up a whole new can of worms about learning curves and how badly you want to achieve this goal.

Justin 2010-06-04 02:21:05

+2 A:

Visit http://fluent.codeplex.com/ to download a free ribbon for WPF. This ribbon has the style of the Office 2010 ribbon, and I've already used it in one of my apps. The download also has a lot of examples on how to implement the ribbon into a WPF application.

As far as switching from WinForms to WPF, yes it's a big learning curve, but at some point you should take the dive and start learning it. You'll be glad you did.

Brent 2010-06-04 03:29:38

I've downloaded the library and the samples and experience my first wpf session. The control looks very usuable, but a thing that annoys me is the BackstageItem menu next to the tabs. (the thing mit "file" as main name) Is there a way not to show it, because I do not see any reason in using it. Haven't found a property for that :-|

citronas 2010-06-04 22:57:35

Someone has figured out how to hid the BackstageButton by modifying the source code for the ribbon. They did so by changing the BackstageButton from private to public, which allowed them to set the visibility in the code behind. You can see the post here: http://fluent.codeplex.com/Thread/View.aspx?ThreadId=206195

Brent 2010-06-05 15:54:12

ansaurus

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