Do you want to development for Windows Phone's and you don't have a windows machine or development environment. No sweat. You don't need to buy a new windows PC. We can setup windows development environment in MAC
What is parallels?
Parallels Inc is a developer of desktop and server virtualization s/w. It works using hypervisor technology. Unlike VM, hypervisor directly maps host computer's h/w resources directly to VM. Thus each VM operated like a standalone. There are 2 different types of Hypervisor technologies that companies use to comeup with their VM.
How does it work?
- Type 1 - Interacts directly with h/w and thus controls guest h/w
- Type 2 - Hypervison will run on conventional host OS as a second layer and the guest OS as a third layer above it
Parallels on Mac is Type2 based
Install Parallels
You can download Parallels from http://www.parallels.com/download/ To start with download trial version of this application and see if it suits your needs. If it is overtly slow or does not fit you bill, then try having dual boot or have a separate PC
Install the DMG file and when done, open parallels
Install Windows 8
You can download Windows 8 from http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/buy. If you already have a windows8 installer (CD, USB), you may need a new product key for this purpose. Gettign that should be a canter.
- Install from Windows installer Media
- Make sure you leave "Express installation" selected
- In the process you will be presented with 2 choices - Like a Mac and Like a PC
Here's what it means
- Like a Mac: Windows programs appear on the Mac desktop, just like Mac applications. Documents and media from Mac OS X and Windows are kept together on your Mac.
- Like a PC: The Windows desktop and programs appear in a single window, separate from Mac applications. You can drag and drop objects between Windows and the Mac.
I choose "Like a PC" and continue with the rest of installation. Shortly installation will be complete.
Update Windows 8
Post installation, login to Windows 8 with your online/local account. Head straight to control panel, and do an update. We may have to do this multiple times
Once the update is complete, we need to install applications we will need to work on windows environment. I normally go to http://www.ninite.com for installation. That's one place we can install all applications we need, instead of hunting many places.
Head to control panel and do an update again
Install Visual studio Express for Window 8
Head to this location http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/eng/products/visual-studio-express-for-windows-phone and select the setup choice to install VS express edition
Entire process may take about a couple of hours, depending on your internet speed. When done, head to control panel and do an update
Start development
The best place to start for WP8 development is here http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windowsphone/develop/ff402529(v=vs.105).aspx
Enjoy development
