Microsoft has just released Windows Phone App Studio, a great tool that will help you build your first Windows Phone app in virtually no time. After taking it for a short testdrive I’m sure it will help everyone (even without programming knowledge) to build an app. Ever had that feeling you wanted to build something? But you didn’t have enough time? Or you don’t think you have the required skills? Be sure to give App Studio a try! It will help you produce your first app and you’ll learn a lot while you are at it. Are you a developer? App Studio could still save you loads of time, time that you can invest in building the awesome features that’ll make your app stand out.

So what is App Studio?

App Studio is a tool that will help you build a Windows Phone app in 4 simple steps:

1. Have an idea
2. Add content
3. Choose Style
4. Use it!

As a developer that loves to write some code you can add in step 5: “Take it to the next level” App Studio is a great way to get started building your own apps. If you don’t have to knowledge or time to develop a full app it will help you put it together. By grabbing the source of your newly built app you’ll be able to extend the functionality by adding your own features. This will help you understand what it takes to develop a full app and will make your app stand out in the marketplace.

What do I need to get started?

App Studio is a fully web based tool, all you need to get started is a Microsoft Account. It would also make sense to have a Windows Phone to actually test your apps, but it isn’t strictly required. That’s basically all you need, now head over to http://apps.windowsstore.com to get started. There’s some resources to help you get started:

• Recent blogposts on the official Windows Phone Developer Blog
• Windows Phone App Studio forums
• Windows Phone App Studio UserVoice (if you have feedback)

Next steps?

This post marks the start of a series of blogposts that will help you make the most out of your App Studio experience. Give it a try yourself and come back over the course of the next days for more tutorials.