Windows Presentation Foundation - technical definition

The user interface subsystem in the Vista version of Windows. Part of the .NET Framework 3.0 programming interface (API) and formerly code named "Avalon," Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) takes advantage of advanced 3D graphics capabilities in modern machines. For example, the "Aero" interface provides translucent window borders. A more basic look and feel is displayed on machines with less-sophisticated graphics.

Greater Text Support
WPF supports more sophisticated text handling than previous Windows versions. Opening up all the features of OpenType and TrueType fonts, it gives the developer much more flexibility in rendering text.

A Unified Interface
By sending all windows and graphics through the Direct3D subsystem, WPF unifies all multimedia elements, including audio, video and animation. WPF natively supports vector graphics, which enables images to be scaled accurately to the current window size (see vector graphics). See Windows Vista, XAML, .NET Framework 3.0 and Silverlight.