Windows Phone SDK is an integrated development environment for designing programs tailored to the mobile operating system from Microsoft. It supports a variety of programming languages, including C# and XAML. Additionally, an option to build user interfaces consistent with the Metro UI style is available.

Main capabilities

The distribution package contains a custom version of Visual Studio to simplify various coding operations. Developers can enable syntax highlighting and autocompletion to further streamline the workflow.

There are powerful UI design tools. A massive collection of customizable interface elements is provided. Moreover, you are able to leverage functions like Blend to generate dynamic and visually cohesive apps.

Emulation and testing

Developers can evaluate their code in a virtualized mobile environment, reducing the need for physical devices during early project phases. It is possible to simulate different smartphone behaviors, screen orientations and hardware configurations. There are instruments to test network and GPS connectivity as well, figuring out how the application will perform in realistic conditions.

Features

free to download and use;
helps mobile developers create new software for the Windows Phone OS;
contains powerful interface design tools;
you can emulate the target environment for troubleshooting purposes;
compatible with modern versions of Windows.