Is it possible to use spell checker API from Windows 8 Metro style app?

Question

Is it possible to access spell-checker dictionaries from Metro style app?

Are there JavaScript APIs? Or can I use native COM APIs from C++ Metro DLL that I'll link from my JS app?

I assume that Treehouse stampede from Developer Preview did it but can't find the source code anymore.

Answer 1

Hi G,

You cannot directly access the dictionaries.  Spell check is built into the text entry fields however.  What are you trying to accomplish?

-Jeff

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Jeff Sanders (MSFT)

Answer 2

I needed a way to check if a certain word is a dictionary word or not and do different things in the app based on the outcome.

I searched around and it seems that Spellchecker APIs can be used from native C++ metro code - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/apps/hh452772.aspx so I can package the necessary logic in C++ DLL and call it from JavaScript UI.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Answer 3

Ghost,

Sounds like a winner!  You can request a sample from here: http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/windowsapps/site/requests?f%5B0%5D.Type=RequestStatus&f%5B0%5D.Value=Open&f%5B0%5D.Text=Open

 That would be useful for others who want to do the same thing!

-Jeff

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Jeff Sanders (MSFT)

Answer 4

Hi,

Addition to Jeff's suggestions. You're correct. You can create a custom WinRT component using C++, and consume the component from JavaScript. Inside the component, you can invoke the native library, as long as they're supported in WinRT environment. Please refer to http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/apps/hh441569.aspx for a sample.

Best Regards,

Ming Xu.

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