Choosing the right version of .Net Compact Framework.

Question

Hello!

I'm developing an winform application for Windows Mobile 5.0 and above. I'm using .Net Compact Framework 2.0 SP2.

I choose that version of compact framework because is installed on Windows Mobile 6.0 rom (in fact, the installed version is .Net Compact Framework 2.0 SP1). Because of that, program will run faster and is going to be easier for the user to install my program.

But I think I can use .NET Compact Framework 3.5 on windows mobile 5.0 and above.

What do you recommend to me?

Answer 1

Hi,

This all depends on the features that you want to make use of.

.NET CF 3.5 supports a subset of the newer features which you may find useful in your application, the following may help with your decision :-

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb397835.aspx

Hope this helps.

Paul Diston

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http://www.smartmobiledevice.co.uk/

Answer 2

I hardly ever see any reason to make new software using old technologies. I'd recommend going for the latest and greatest. But, there is actually not much difference between .NETCF 3.5 and 2.0. You'll need .NETCF 3.5 if you want to use LINQ, extension methods, or other new stuff.

An advantage to writing in .NETCF 2.0 is that if you deploy to Windows Mobile 6.0 (or later) then the runtime dll's are installed on ROM (also for SQLCE 3.1). This is a huge performance benefit.

Answer 3

Hi,

Although a version of SQL CE is installed in ROM on WM 6.0 or later, there is some doubt over the actual version that is supplied. In my investigations I found that the version was actually 3.0 and not 3.1, as discussed in the following thread :-

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en/netfxcompact/thread/42db4326-a094-4723-bcde-ff8a4b4cee29

Thanks

Paul Diston

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http://www.smartmobiledevice.co.uk/