What does a Microsoft Silverlight developer do?
A Microsoft Silverlight developer builds rich internet applications that run inside web browsers or as standalone desktop programs using the discontinued Microsoft framework. This role focuses on creating interactive user interfaces with XAML markup and connecting them to application logic written in C# or Visual Basic .NET. The developer packages these components into deployable units that host media, data grids, and custom controls within an HTML page or a dedicated window. Work involves managing the full lifecycle from interface design to final deployment configuration for both online and offline usage modes.
- Authors XAML-based user interface components and screens that define the visual layout, styling, and behavior of the application. This work includes binding UI elements to data sources and writing code-behind files in managed languages like C# to handle user interactions, events, and business logic. The developer ensures the interface responds correctly to user input and displays dynamic content without requiring full page reloads in the browser.
- Configures deployment settings to package the application into a XAP file for distribution via web servers. This process involves setting up manifest files that declare required assemblies and resources while defining whether the app runs inside a browser plug-in or installs locally as an out-of-browser program. The developer adjusts security permissions and startup parameters to match the intended delivery method and hosting environment constraints.
- Integrates the Silverlight application into existing web pages by embedding HTML object tags that reference the compiled XAP package. This task requires establishing communication bridges between the Silverlight runtime and the surrounding Document Object Model to allow JavaScript calls and event handling across the boundary. The developer tests these interactions to ensure seamless data exchange and proper rendering across supported browser versions and operating systems.
How to hire a Microsoft Silverlight developer on Upwork
Step 1: Post a job
Define your need for rich internet applications built with XAML and managed code. The Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI drafts a post from a few sentences about your requirements. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post.
- Specify whether the application runs in-browser via an HTML object tag or as an out-of-browser installation.
- List required experience with Visual Studio XAML tools for UI design and debugging.
- Clarify if the role involves browser interoperability where Silverlight content interacts with the hosting page DOM.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Look for portfolios showing deployed XAP packages and complex XAML interfaces. Uma runs instant video interviews and builds shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to help you assess technical fit.
- Verify experience packaging applications into deployable artifacts using Silverlight deployment configuration.
- Check for examples of UI components integrated with managed application logic in code-behind files.
- Review past work involving manifest settings for specific delivery modes like out-of-browser execution.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Discuss specific challenges related to XAML performance and browser plugin integration. Schedule and conduct interviews within Upwork Messages to receive an immediate transcript and summary after each session.
- Ask how they handle debugging UI behavior issues within the Visual Studio designer environment.
- Request examples of how they managed DOM events between the Silverlight plug-in and the host HTML page.
- Discuss their approach to configuring deployment parameters for different client environments.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Set clear milestones for building XAML screens and generating the final XAP package. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication while relying on identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.
- Define deliverables such as specific XAML-defined screens and the compiled application build.
- Establish criteria for successful HTML embedding and browser interoperability testing.
- Agree on the format for deployment manifests and out-of-browser configuration files.
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