PocketPC and WindowsCE

[rickbear]

Hi Group,

When developing applications in managed code with the Compact
Framework in C#, the application should be platform independent. But
I've learned that some things aren't that platform independent after
all. Like e.g. buttons in a control causes a
System.NotSupportedException on a smartphone.
More differences can be seen at: <http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/
library/ms228834(VS.80).aspx>

Now, I will not be targeting smartphones. The target will only be
PocketPC and WindowsCE.
So my question is, can I develop a WindowsCE application and always be
sure it will run on a PocketPC? Or will there be limits similar to the
differences between pocketpc and smartphones? I know there could be
issues like scrolling on too big screen sizes on pocketpc and things
like that. But I am more concerned about failures and things
behaviouring totally different.

- rick -

 

[Peter Foot]

Since Windows CE is highly customisable you'll find a number of differences.
Generally CE supports the same range of forms controls as Pocket PC. You
will not be able to use some of the classes in the Microsoft.WindowsCE.Forms
namespace such as the HardwareButton and Notification as these are Pocket PC
specific. Also all the Managed Windows Mobile APIs
(Microsoft.WindowsMobile.* will be unavailable.
Another issue to be aware of is if you use third-party libraries that use
P/Invoke into Windows Mobile specific APIs (or you try and use these
yourself). A limited version of aygshell.dll is available as a component in
CE but may not be present, and even if it is it does not expose all of the
functionality found on Windows Mobile.
Also of course you'll need to develop with different screen sizes and
orientations to suit your target device. There are a lot of techniques to
deal with this, .NETCF 2.0 includes Docking and Anchoring for controls which
helps in many situations.

Peter

--
Peter Foot
Microsoft Device Application Development MVP
peterfoot.net | appamundi.com | inthehand.com
APPA Mundi Ltd - Software Solutions for a Mobile World
In The Hand Ltd - .NET Components for Mobility