WPF architecture is multilayered
architecture. It has three layers mainly Managed code, Unmanaged code and Core Operating system. We
can call these layers as set of
assemblies that built up the entire framework.
The major components are below Presentation Framework, Presentation Core
and Media Integration(Milcore) are the major components of wpf
architecture.
Milcore
is written in unmanaged code in order to enable integration with DirectX.
DirectX
engine is responsible for all display in WPF,
allowing for efficient hardware and software rendering. And CLR Provides
control over memory and execution. The Composition engine in milcore is
extremely very good in performance and required giving up many advantages of
the CLR to gain performance.
Managed
Layer: Managed layer of WPF is built using
number of assemblies. These assemblies build up the WPF framework, and
communicate with lower level unmanaged API to render its content.
Few Assemblies in WPF
Framework are
1.
PresentationFramework.dll: It creates the top level elements like layout
panels(Canvas,Grid,StackPanel,etc), Controls, Windows, styles etc.
2.
PresentationCore.dll: It holds base types such as UIElement, Visual from which all shapes and controls are derived
in PresentaitonFramework.dll.
3 . WindowBase.dll: They hold even more basic elements which are capable of
being used outside the WPF environment
like Dispatcher.
Unmanaged
Layer(milcore.dll):
We can call this unmanaged layer as Media
Integration Library Core which translates the WPF higher level object like
layout panels, buttons, animation, etc using Direct3D rendering engine
of WPF.
WindowsCodecs.dll: This is low level API
which gives imaging support in WPF
applications.
WindowsCodes.dll: consists of a number of codecs which encode/decode images
into vector graphics which will rendered into WPF screen.
Direct3D: It is low level API using which graphics of WPF is
rendered.
User32: It is primary core API which every program uses. It manages memory
and process separation.
GDI & Device Drivers: are Specific to the operating system which used from
application to access low level APIs.
