Learning Silverlight, where to start??

[StevenWorkman]

Hello everyone. 
Im a recent college grad who is now working for a state agency.  They have presented a great opportunity for me to use statewide environmental data and develop a web map so the public can access information on our website.  We are using Silverlight, and Visual Web Developer Express. Im really excited to dive into this, but I have no experience in this area of GIS.  What would be the best way for someone to learn the API for Silverlight?  What are the basics I should start with and how should I progress from there?  Do I need to learn a programming language?  Thanks for any help in advance.

-Steven

[BrentHoskisson]

If you are not competent with Visual Studio, DotNet and either VB.NET or C# you should start there. 
A little familiarity with HTML and Javascript can't hurt as well, but is not required.

Then you should dive into Silverlight.  You can start by picking apart ESRI's samples on the Resources site.  To make the site your own, you should get a book on Silverlight or take an online tutorial.  If you are into the graphics end and making it flashy, look into Expression Blend. 

When you feel "advanced" enough, then look into MVVM or other modeling techniques.

Good Luck

[JenniferNery]

You can start by looking at the SDK samples: http://help.arcgis.com/en/webapi/silverlight/samples/start.htm#WebMapCharts

Also visit the Concepts page: http://help.arcgis.com/en/webapi/silverlight/help/index.html. There's a section for Getting Started there 🙂

[StevenWorkman]

Thank you for the responses you guys.