Platform Builder includes tools and wizards to support different Compact 2013 development tasks.  As a plug-in to the VS 2012, Compact 2013 development tasks are done through the VS 2012 IDE.

For Windows CE 5.0 and earlier version, Platform Builder is a standalone IDE.  Starting in Windows Embedded CE 6.0, Platform Builder became a plug-in to the VS 2005 IDE.  For Windows Embedded Compact 7, Platform Builder is a plug-in to the VS 2008 IDE.

For Windows Embedded CE 6.0 and later version, although the Platform Builder standalone IDE no longer there, many documentation (from 3^rd party developer and within Microsoft) still refer to “Platform Builder User Interface” and “Platform Builder Tool kit”. 

As plug-in to VS 2012, Platform Builder provides tools and resources to simplify the following Compact 2013 development tasks from the VS 2012 IDE:

·         Develop OS design project and build custom Compact 2013 OS runtime image for the intended device.

·         Generate SDK from OS design project to support application development for the intended device.

·         Establish connectivity between the development computer and target device, to download OS runtime image onto the device for testing and debugging.

·         Clone an existing BSP, which can be used as a starting to develop a new or updated BSP.

·         Debug OS runtime image and application on the target device using remote tools.

·         Develop managed code application in C# and Visual Basic.

·         Develop native code application in C++.

·         Develop XAML for Windows Embedded application.

The VS 2012 IDE is context sensitive and shows different function and features, under different condition, relevant to the current active project.  The VS 2012 IDE can be customized based each developer’s preference. 

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