Windows development is the process of writing software that will run on standard computers including your desktop, laptop, or general purpose computer. Windows applications can take full advantage of a computer's power.

Metro style apps
Desktop apps
Hardware

Web development is the process of writing a web page or site. Web pages are written with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. These pages can be simple text and graphics that resemble a document, or can be interactive. Interactive server pages are a little more complex to write, but they enable richer web sites.

Internet Explorer Developer Center
Silverlight Developer Center
ASP.NET MVC
ASP.NET Web Forms

Windows Azure and SQL Azure enable you to build, host and scale applications in Microsoft datacenters. They require no up-front expenses, no long term commitment, and enable you to pay only for the resources you use.

Get Started with Windows Azure
Windows Azure Learning Resources
Microsoft SQL Azure
Windows Azure Free Trial

Windows Phone development is similar to Windows development, but with a different device at its core. To simplify development, many developers initially run, debug, and test their applications in an emulator on their desktop machine.

Windows Phone App Hub
Windows Phone Development QuickStarts
Development for Absolute Beginners
Windows Phone 'Mango' Training Course

Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated environment that helps simplify the entire development process from design to deployment. Target a growing number of platforms, including Microsoft SharePoint and Windows Azure applications that accelerate the coding process and allow you to use your existing skills. Developers and testers can also work more efficiently, thanks to integrated testing and debugging tools.

Visual Studio Developer Center
Download Visual Studio Express

Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Ultimate is the comprehensive suite of application lifecycle management tools that teams can use to ensure quality results, from design to deployment. Whether you're creating new solutions or enhancing existing applications, Visual Studio 2010 Ultimate lets you bring your vision to life targeting an increasing number of platforms and technologies, including Windows Azure and parallel computing.

Visual Studio: Application Lifecycle Development
Download Visual Studio Ultimate Trial

Microsoft Visual Studio Team Foundation Server 2010 is the collaboration platform at the core of the Microsoft Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) solution. It helps teams streamline interactions, and eliminate waste in the software delivery process.

Team Foundation Server 2010
Download Team Foundation Server 2010 Trial

Microsoft Visual Studio LightSwitch is a simplified, self-service development tool that enables you to build business applications quickly and easily. With LightSwitch, you can be up and running in minutes with timesaving templates, and intuitive tools that reduce the complexity of everything from UI design to publishing to the desktop or cloud.

Visual Studio LightSwitch
Download Visual Studio LightSwitch 2011

WebMatrix is a free web development tool that includes everything you need for website development. Start from open source web applications, built-in web templates, or just start writing code yourself. It's all-inclusive, simple, and free.

WebMatrix Development

Microsoft Expression Studio is a suite of UX design and development tools for creating rich, modern, interactive user experiences across web, desktop, and Windows Phone. Integration with Visual Studio boosts team productivity, enabling you to focus on delivering results.

Expression Community