Beginning LightSwitch: Getting Started

UPDATE 10/17/2013: This post was updated to include the latest LightSwitch version in Visual Studio 2013 and HTML Client.
UPDATE 8/12/2012: This post was updated to include LightSwitch in Visual Studio 2012.


There’s a ton of information out there on building LightSwitch applications, especially on the LightSwitch section of the Visual Studio Developer Center but here I want to pull together a cohesive set of entry-level articles that focus on the most important concepts you need to learn in order to build any LightSwitch application. By the way, if you aren’t familiar with what LightSwitch is and what it can do I encourage you to visit our page: Understanding LightSwitch

Depending on the version of Visual Studio you have, select the appropriate article series to get started:

LightSwitch in Visual Studio 2013 – HTML Client

LightSwitch in Visual Studio 2012 – Desktop Client

Visual Studio LightSwitch 2011 (or LightSwitch in Visual Studio 2010)

More Getting Started Resources

Creating Your First LightSwitch Application
This is a step-by-step walkthrough that shows you how to quickly build a simple contact manager. It should take you 5 to 10 minutes to complete the application so it’s a great place to start.

Beginning HTML5: “Signed-In” article series
This is a great introduction to the HTML5 client in LightSwitch that builds a simple sign-in sheet application.

Beginning SharePoint & Office 365: Creating a cloud business app with a social newsfeed
This tutorial shows you how to integrate LightSwitch in Visual Studio 2013 apps with Office 365 services.

Watch the LightSwitch How Do I Videos
Learn the techniques to build great LightSwitch apps with these step-by-step video lessons.

Get Started with the LightSwitch Starter Kits
If you want a super-quick way to get an application started, check out the starter kits. There’s currently six available for you to choose from and are full working applications you can use.

Enjoy!