Silverlight™ 2 Bible

Chapter 11. Programming Silverlight Applications Using the Dynamic Language Runtime

Silverlight includes support for the Dynamic Language Runtime (DLR), including support for IronPython, IronRuby, and managed JavaScript. DLR support allows developers that are more familiar with these languages to implement Silverlight applications. This also allows developers to integrate new Silverlight applications with their existing Web applications and services.

The purpose of this chapter is to familiarize you with the process of implementing Silverlight applications in each of the IronPython, IronRuby, and managed JavaScript languages. The following sections introduce you to DLR programming concepts and then take you through some examples of creating DLR Silverlight applications.

Configuring a Silverlight DLR Application

When creating Silverlight DLR applications, you need to configure your project to include some basic elements that are required for all Silverlight DLR applications. Silverlight DLR applications require the following five basic parts:

• Host Web Page: An HTML or ASPX file that has been embedded with the Silverlight application

• XAML Code: Silverlight XAML file that defines the interface for the application

• Dynamic Language Code: An app.py, app.rb, or app.jsx file that contains the dynamic language code to implement the functionality of the application

• Manifest: An AppManifest.xml file that contains AssemblyPart elements for each assembly that is required by the application

• Assemblies: ...