Product Description Windows Workflow Foundation is a ground-breaking addition to the core of the .NET Framework that allows you to orchestrate human and system interactions as a series of workflows that can be easily mapped, analyzed, adjusted, and implemented. As business problems become more complex, the need for a workflow-based solution has never been more evident. WF provides a simple and consistent way to model and implement complex problems. As a developer, you focus on developing the business logic for individual workflow tasks. The runtime handles the execution of those tasks after they have been composed into a workflow. Beginning WF demonstrates, in an eminently readable and accessible style, how Microsoft's Workflow Foundation (WF) technology can be used in a wide variety of applications. Loaded with lots of simple yet demonstrative sample projects Very hands-on with practical "how-to" information Indexed by feature so specific questions are easily answered What you'll learn Beginning WF will take you step by step through many of the useful applications of workflow technology. Along the way, you will: Create designer-based and code-based workflows Communicate between applications using workflow activities Implement SQL persistence with custom participants Create workflow extensions and custom activities Build applications that support long-running workflows Host workflows in WCF services Who is this book for? This book is perfectly suited to anyone using or considering Microsoft's Windows Workflow Foundation. It describes what WF can do for you and how to quickly learn the basic concepts needed to be proficient. If you're actively implementing a workflow project, this book has lots of sample projects that demonstrate the most useful design patterns. About the Apress Beginning Series The Beginning series from Apress is the right choice to get the information you need to land that crucial entry-level job. These books will teach you a standard and important technology from the ground up because they are explicitly designed to take you from "novice to professional." You'll start your journey by seeing what you need to know-but without needless theory and filler. You'll build your skill set by learning how to put together real-world projects step by step. So whether your goal is your next career challenge or a new learning opportunity, the Beginning series from Apress will take you there-it is your trusted guide through unfamiliar territory! About the Author Mark Collins has developed software for over 25 years, mostly using the Microsoft stack. He has served many roles including development manager, architect, team lead, database administrator, and project manager. He has extensive experience in retail (point-of-sale and inventory) and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. Mark currently serves as a senior software engineer for a nonprofit organization, providing a custom CRM, mail processing, and fulfillment system. Product Details Paperback: 500 pages Publisher: Apress; 1 edition (March 19, 2010) Language: English ISBN-10: 1430224851 ISBN-13: 978-1430224853 Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.2 inches