(This information relates to Silverlight 2 Beta 2)
What does XAP mean?
XAP (pronounced ZAP) is the file extension for a Silverlight-based
application package (.xap). This file contains the compressed assemblies and resources of a Silverlight 2 application.
What is a .xap file?
A .xap file is a Silverlight-based application package (.xap) that is generated when the Silverlight project is built.
Why is XAP important?
Tools, such as Visual Studio 2008 with the Microsoft Silverlight Tools Beta 2 for Visual Studio 2008, allow you to create Silverlight applications that are heavily client based
using managed code. You can use managed code, such as C# or Visual Basic, and benefit by using the tools that you are used to working with.
How does XAP work?
Once you have created the .xap file (explained below), the Silverlight 2 plug-in downloads the file and runs it in a separate work space.
How do I use a .xap file?
A .xap file is used to contain and transfer the assemblies and resources of a managed code application. This managed code application must be run within the Silverlight 2 browser
plug-in.
Where can I find the Silverlight 2 Beta 2 plug-in?
To view the contents of a .xap file you can rename the extension of the .xap file to .zip. Then view the .zip file using any standard .zip utility.
What are the files contained in the .xap file?
A basic xap file will have an assembly related to specific code for the application, an application manifest file and any additional assemblies need to run the application. At
a minimum, two files are needed, the application manifest file and the application assembly.
For
example:
AppManifest.xaml
MyPianoV2.dll
What is contained in the AppManifest.xaml file?
The AppManifest.xaml file contains the deployment details needed to run the application.
·Chiron.exe – Located in the Tools folder of your Silverlight Tools Beta 2 for Visual Studio 2008 installation. For more information see,
Dynamic Languages in Silverlight 2.
I’m unable to display the contents of the .xap file when I run the application in a Web page within the browser?
How do I run the Silverlight 2 application (including the .xap file) with the Silverlight 2 plug-in?
You can use the
ASP.NET Silverlight Server Control to reference your .xap file. Specifically, you use the
Source property to reference the XAP application package. The
Version must be set as well.
Code contained in an .aspx file:
<div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #dadada 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 3pt; BORDER-TOP: #dadada 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 3pt; BACKGROUND: #f0f0f0; PADDING-BOTTOM: 20pt; BORDER-LEFT: #dadada 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 3pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #dadada 1pt solid; mso-border-alt:
solid #DADADA .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div"><asp:ScriptManager ID="ScriptManager1" runat="server"></asp:ScriptManager><asp:Silverlight
runat="server" ID="Silverlight1" Height="340" Width="320" Source="MyPianoV2.xap">
</div> Is there an example of a Silverlight 2 Beta 2 .xap application available?
Yes.
Code (C# & VB) that
shows how to include a .xap file in a Web page.
Example that shows
a running Silverlight 2 Beta 2 application. Note: You will need to install the current runtime plug-in, unless you already have it installed. After installing, close all browser windows and click the
Example link.
How do I include resources with my Silverlight 2 application?
The
XmlXapResolver class is used to resolve resources that are contained in the Silverlight application’s
XAP package.
What about the XACT Project File Format (.xap)? Is this the same file type as a Silverlight .xap file?
This file type is not related to Silverlight.
The Xbox Audio Creation Tool Project File format (.xap), is read and written by the XACT authoring tool (xact.exe), is utilized by the command-line build environment (xactbld.exe),
and contains all of the instructions necessary to generate XACT content. It is a complete description of all XACT wave banks, sound banks, and global settings. For more information see,
XACT Project File Format (.xap).
Can you point me to additional information?
Yes. Here are a number of links that you may find interesting and helpful.
The Xbox Audio Creation Tool Project File format (.xap), is read and written by the XACT authoring tool (xact.exe), is utilized by the command-line build environment (xactbld.exe), and contains all of the instructions necessary to generate XACT content.
It is a complete description of all XACT wave banks, sound banks, and global settings. For more information see,
XACT Project File Format (.xap).
Here are a number of links that you may find interesting and helpful.
erikreitan
Member
263 Points
53 Posts
Microsoft
ASP.NET - Silverlight XAP FAQ
Jun 18, 2008 10:04 PM|LINK
What does XAP mean?
XAP (pronounced ZAP) is the file extension for a Silverlight-based application package (.xap). This file contains the compressed assemblies and resources of a Silverlight 2 application.
What is a .xap file?A .xap file is a Silverlight-based application package (.xap) that is generated when the Silverlight project is built.
Why is XAP important?Tools, such as Visual Studio 2008 with the Microsoft Silverlight Tools Beta 2 for Visual Studio 2008, allow you to create Silverlight applications that are heavily client based using managed code. You can use managed code, such as C# or Visual Basic, and benefit by using the tools that you are used to working with.
How does XAP work?Once you have created the .xap file (explained below), the Silverlight 2 plug-in downloads the file and runs it in a separate work space.
How do I use a .xap file?A .xap file is used to contain and transfer the assemblies and resources of a managed code application. This managed code application must be run within the Silverlight 2 browser plug-in.
Where can I find the Silverlight 2 Beta 2 plug-in?http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/resources/install.aspx?v=2.0
What are the Compatible Operating Systems and Browsers for the Silverlight 2 plug-in?Compatible Operating Systems and Browsers
How can I view the contents of a .xap file?To view the contents of a .xap file you can rename the extension of the .xap file to .zip. Then view the .zip file using any standard .zip utility.
What are the files contained in the .xap file?A basic xap file will have an assembly related to specific code for the application, an application manifest file and any additional assemblies need to run the application. At a minimum, two files are needed, the application manifest file and the application assembly.
For example:
AppManifest.xaml
MyPianoV2.dll
What is contained in the AppManifest.xaml file?The AppManifest.xaml file contains the deployment details needed to run the application.
Basic example:
<Deployment xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/client/2007/deployment" xmlns:x="http://schemas.microsoft.com/winfx/2006/xaml" EntryPointAssembly="MyPianoV2" EntryPointType="MyPianoV2.App" RuntimeVersion="2.0.30523.4"> <Deployment.Parts> <AssemblyPart x:Name="MyPianoV2" Source="MyPianoV2.dll" /> </Deployment.Parts></Deployment>For more information, see Katrien De Graeve blog post titled Silverlight 2: structure of the new .XAP file (Silverlight packaged application).
How can I view the contents of the project related assembly?You can use any dll inspection utility. Here’s an example of the contents of myPianoV2.dll:
· Visual Studio 2008 using the Microsoft Silverlight Tools Beta 2 for Visual Studio 2008.
· Expression Blend 2.5 June 2008 Preview
· Chiron.exe – Located in the Tools folder of your Silverlight Tools Beta 2 for Visual Studio 2008 installation. For more information see, Dynamic Languages in Silverlight 2.
I’m unable to display the contents of the .xap file when I run the application in a Web page within the browser?Check the following:
· Make sure you are using the Silverlight 2 Beta 2 plug-in.
· Make sure you have the XAP mime type set for IIS (see below).
· Check to be sure you included your resources, such as graphics, with your Silverlight Application (see below).
· Make sure the .xap file is contained in the ClientBin folder of your Web application.
· Check the Silverlight Tools page for additional troubleshooting details.
What is the XAP mime type?The .xap mime type is:
application/x-silverlightFor more information, see Michael Schwarz blog post and Microsoft Help and Support.
How can I create a .xap file in Visual Studio?1. Install the following:
· Visual Studio 2008.
· The .NET Framework version 3.5.
· Microsoft Silverlight Tools Beta 2 for Visual Studio 2008.
· Silverlight version 2 Beta 2 plug-in.
2. Follow the steps in the following walkthrough to create a .xap file:
What managed programming languages can I use to create a Silverlight 2 application?Walkthrough: Integrating XAML into an ASP.NET Web Site Using Managed Code
C#, Visual Basic
What dynamic programming languages can I use to create a Silverlight 2 application?IronPython, IronRuby, and Managed JScript
For more information, see Programming Silverlight with Dynamic Languages and Dynamic Languages in Silverlight 2.
How do I run the Silverlight 2 application (including the .xap file) with the Silverlight 2 plug-in?You can use the ASP.NET Silverlight Server Control to reference your .xap file. Specifically, you use the Source property to reference the XAP application package. The Version must be set as well.
Code contained in an .aspx file:
<div style="BORDER-RIGHT: #dadada 1pt solid; PADDING-RIGHT: 3pt; BORDER-TOP: #dadada 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 3pt; BACKGROUND: #f0f0f0; PADDING-BOTTOM: 20pt; BORDER-LEFT: #dadada 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 3pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #dadada 1pt solid; mso-border-alt: solid #DADADA .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div"><asp:ScriptManager ID="ScriptManager1" runat="server"></asp:ScriptManager> <asp:Silverlight runat="server" ID="Silverlight1" Height="340" Width="320" Source="MyPianoV2.xap"> </div> Is there an example of a Silverlight 2 Beta 2 .xap application available?Yes.
Code (C# & VB) that shows how to include a .xap file in a Web page.
Example that shows a running Silverlight 2 Beta 2 application. Note: You will need to install the current runtime plug-in, unless you already have it installed. After installing, close all browser windows and click the Example link.
How do I include resources with my Silverlight 2 application?The example above shows one way to include resources in a Silverlight 2 application. However, Katrien De Graeve has a blog entry titled Different ways for loading images and files in Silverlight 2 applications that explains how to include resources in more detail.
What is the XmlXapResolver class?The XmlXapResolver class is used to resolve resources that are contained in the Silverlight application’s XAP package.
What about the XACT Project File Format (.xap)? Is this the same file type as a Silverlight .xap file?This file type is not related to Silverlight.
The Xbox Audio Creation Tool Project File format (.xap), is read and written by the XACT authoring tool (xact.exe), is utilized by the command-line build environment (xactbld.exe), and contains all of the instructions necessary to generate XACT content. It is a complete description of all XACT wave banks, sound banks, and global settings. For more information see, XACT Project File Format (.xap).
Can you point me to additional information?Yes. Here are a number of links that you may find interesting and helpful.
ASP.NET Controls for Silverlight – ASP.NET Documentation that includes code and running examples.
System.Web.UI.SilverlightControls Namespace – ASP.NET Documentation - managed reference.
Sys.UI.Silverlight (client) Namespace – ASP.NET Documentation – client reference
Silverlight FAQ
Why Silverlight?
Silverlight Resources
Silverlight 2 Beta 2 and Silverlight Streaming
Scott Guthrie’s - Silverlight 2 Beta2 Released
mani_ct
Member
10 Points
5 Posts
Re: ASP.NET - Silverlight XAP FAQ
Jul 08, 2008 08:43 AM|LINK
Thanks
Cool stuff Here is some useful link also
Silver Light
Moss 2007 FAQS and Articles
Thanks
Mani
viswanath_pu...
Member
123 Points
37 Posts
Re: ASP.NET - Silverlight XAP FAQ
Jan 22, 2009 05:48 AM|LINK
Hi ,
http://www.encyclo.co.uk/define/XAP
U r Information is good.
Thanks for the info.
Vissu
"Mark as Answer" if it helps.
ranjit.verma
Member
8 Points
5 Posts
Re: ASP.NET - Silverlight XAP FAQ
Jul 10, 2009 11:36 AM|LINK
Good one for beginers: http://silverlight.net/GetStarted/
Paru
Member
4 Points
3 Posts
Re: ASP.NET - Silverlight XAP FAQ
Aug 12, 2009 10:15 AM|LINK
This file type XACT not related to Silverlight.
The Xbox Audio Creation Tool Project File format (.xap), is read and written by the XACT authoring tool (xact.exe), is utilized by the command-line build environment (xactbld.exe), and contains all of the instructions necessary to generate XACT content. It is a complete description of all XACT wave banks, sound banks, and global settings. For more information see, XACT Project File Format (.xap).
Here are a number of links that you may find interesting and helpful.
ASP.NET Controls for Silverlight – ASP.NET Documentation that includes code and running examples.
System.Web.UI.SilverlightControls Namespace – ASP.NET Documentation - managed reference.
Sys.UI.Silverlight (client) Namespace – ASP.NET Documentation – client reference
Silverlight FAQ
Paru
--mark as answer if helped
Casimodo72
Member
2 Points
1 Post
Re: ASP.NET - Silverlight XAP FAQ
Oct 28, 2009 05:09 PM|LINK
The link "Walkthrough: Integrating XAML into an ASP.NET Web Site Using Managed Code" is broken in your post.
Regards,
Kasimier