If you think that hands-on labs are the best way to learn, Microsoft has a treat for you in the form of a set for Windows 8 development in C++, JavaScript, C# and VB.

Microsoft has just released a fairly comprehensive list of hands-on labs for Windows 8 development in JavaScript, C#/Visual Basic and C++. If you look at the topics covered you can see that the more advanced things, 3D graphics for example, are reserved for C++ which confirms the view that as far as Microsoft is concerned this is the star language of the show.

While hands-on labs are all very nice, more attention to creating the core reference material would also be good.

JavaScript HTML

• Using Windows 8 Templates to Build Metro Style Apps Using JavaScript
  Very basic use of the standard project templates.

• Building Your First Metro Style App Using JavaScript
  JavaScript app basics.

• Integrating your Metro Style Apps Built Using JavaScript into the Windows 8 Shell
  How to access Shell features such as charms - a fairly complex project.

• Using Blend to Design Your Metro Style Apps Using JavaScript Using Blend with HTML/JavaScript

• Testing Metro Style Apps Built Using JavaScript
  Using Microsoft Test Professional 11.

C# and VB

• Using Windows 8 Templates to Build Metro Style Apps Using C# and Visual Basic
  A tour of the project types and how the code generated by the templates works.

• Building Your First Metro Style App Using C# and Visual Basic
  Very basic intro to creating an app.

• A Tour of Building Metro Style Apps Using C# and Visual Basic Part 1

  Working with  tiles, a splash screen, snapped views and different app orientations.

• A Tour of Building Metro Style Apps Using C# and Visual Basic Part 2
  Add an app bar to the app, and see how to detect and react to changes in the snap state. Invoking the Settings charm how to add custom commands.

•  Exploring Data Binding in Metro Style Apps Using C# and Visual Basic
  XML-over-HTTP with the new Async methods. Uising LINQ to XML queries to can build collections that can be bound to list and grid controls.

• Using Windows 8 Controls in your Metro Style Apps Built Using C# and Visual Basic
  Using the new controls

• Using C# to Enhance Your Metro Style App Build Using JavaScript
  Building a managed code component and using it in JavaScript.

C++

• Building Your First Metro Style App Using C++ Basic intro to app creation using C++

• Using C++ to Enhance Your Metro Style Apps Built Using JavaScript
  Creating a C++ component and using it in JavaScript

•  Using the Windows Runtime to Enhance Your Metro Style Apps Built Using C++
  Using WinRT.

•  Working with Games in Visual Studio
  A Direct3D game.

• Experiencing Windows Driver Kit integration with Visual Studio
  Using the Windows Driver Kit (WDK)  to create drivers from templates, port drivers from existing code, as well as build, sign, deploy, verify, test and debug drivers.

•  Direct3D Tutorial
  Learn how to use Direct3D to create 3D games.

• Basic Photo Processing with Direct2D Effects
  Using Direct2D Image Effects to work with bitmaps.

•  Playing Media in Metro Style Apps Build Using C++
  Add a standard Media Player control in your application. then make your own Media Player.

You can see the full list plus any updates at: http://www.buildwindows.com/Labs

Learn about Metro on I-Programmer:

Getting started with C# Metro apps

Building and using C++ WinRT components

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