Tools Help Nonprogrammers Build Modern Apps

Two free tools aim to ease creation and deployment of certain types of Windows and Windows Phone applications by eliminating the need for programming skills. Windows App Studio is a Web-based application building environment that employs simple visual tools, and Project Siena (a code name) is a Windows Modern application that enables application creation with drag-and-drop tools and Excel-like functions. The tools could help organizations prototype, develop, and publish applications that use Microsoft’s Modern user interface design. However, both tools remain in beta after more than a year, and it’s not certain if they will be updated for Windows 10.

Windows App Studio Provides Wizard-like Dev Experience

Windows App Studio guides an application designer through the creation of a Windows 8.1 Modern or Windows Phone 8.1 application without writing code. The tool is accessed through a Web portal using a Microsoft account login.

An application designer starts by choosing a template that provides default page layouts and data sources for application types, such as product catalogs, storefronts, and company portals. A template that wraps a Web site for presentation through an application is also available. After the template is selected, the designer defines the content to be delivered by the application by specifying data source connection details, importing or entering data, and customizing screen layouts.