Microsoft Silverlight is an application framework designed to run rich Internet applications. Since it launched in 2007, similar to Adobe’s Flash platform, Silverlight requires installing an additional plugin within your browser in order to run.
Built using the full.NET Framework, developers use familiar tools for software creation with it – something familiar to those already experienced with programming in this language.
Features
Microsoft Silverlight is an open framework for developing rich internet applications that runs directly in web browsers, offering developers more freedom than Adobe Flash when embedding apps within web pages. Silverlight lets developers embed applications directly onto pages rather than forcing multimedia formats onto them and requiring plug-ins from outside to work properly, giving you better control of user experience and performance.
This framework offers a cross-platform environment compatible with various browsers and devices, such as Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later and most popular browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox on Mac OS 10.8.
As with HTML content, Silverlight out-of-browser applications can also be made accessible using Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This can include setting the default language and providing an optional high contrast mode; however out-of-browser apps do not utilize platform/OS level UI settings (Language/CultureInfo), since they run independently on another operating system; therefore user color settings don’t reflect in the UI of Silverlight apps that run out-of-browser.
Supported browsers
Microsoft Silverlight is a web browser plugin that combines multimedia, graphics, animation and interactivity into one software platform. The technology supports various operating systems and browsers including Windows and Mac OS X (though Apple Safari did not officially support Silverlight until 2016). Silverlight can be embedded into HTML pages using video> and swf> tags.
The plugin runs in a “sandbox,” preventing unknown or untrusted code from accessing computer memory, OS resources and user files. Furthermore, this protects users from downloading or running unapproved extensions or third-party software.
Although Microsoft has not actively developed Silverlight since 2015, its installer and software development kit remain freely downloadable. Unfortunately, however, support will end on October 12, 2021. A free open source alternative called OpenSilver allows companies to migrate legacy Silverlight applications onto modern technologies by recompiling them into WebAssembly format which is built into all modern browsers.
Security
Microsoft Silverlight is an application framework that enables Web developers to integrate streaming video, audio and animation directly into web pages to create Rich Internet Applications (RIAs).
Microsoft Silverlight works across different browsers and devices, including Internet Explorer on Windows computers and Safari, Firefox, and Google Chrome for Mac OS devices. It also runs on some mobile phones running Apple’s iOS or Nokia’s Symbian operating systems.
Silverlight contains several vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to install malicious code on victims’ computers. These exploits typically involve visiting a compromised website – often by clicking links sent through email or instant messages – with these vulnerabilities exploitable through email links or instant message links. Despite its security issues, however, some web users still enjoy Silverlight for its entertainment options; Microsoft recently ended support for it and is encouraging websites to switch HTML5 technology instead. Microsoft has also developed OpenSilver which will allow companies to migrate legacy Silverlight applications onto more modern technologies more easily.
Pricing
Microsoft Silverlight is a cross-platform multimedia plugin used to display slideshows, stream video content and develop rich internet applications that run within web browsers.
These tools allow developers to develop applications that require multiple system configurations – graphics processing units and video memory in particular – as well as an Internet connection with high speeds for interactive experiences such as videos, data visualizations and games.
AGI’s expert instructors are available to teach you how to utilize Silverlight for creating interactive experiences and content across devices, apps and the Web. No matter your level of experience as a developer, our courses can help maximize its capabilities.
Our cost-effective Microsoft Silverlight code signing certificates enable you to add virtual shrink wrap protection for 32- or 64-bit Silverlight applications and XAF files, giving your users peace of mind that the download they make from you has a reliable digital signature and reduce warning messages that might prevent users from downloading your software.