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Driver Lifecycle
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Driver Lifecycle: Fundamentals		***
Driver Design		***
WDF Development		***
Verification and Testing		***
Installation & Driver Signing		***
Reliability & Security		* *
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Driver Lifecycle Fundamentals: Overview

Creating and delivering a Windows driver involves a commitment for the life of the driver (or service) and its device. You must:

  • Design your driver for Windows compatibility, reliability, security, and serviceability from the beginning.

  • Develop your driver by using the Windows Driver Kit (WDK) and advanced frameworks that are provided through Windows Driver Foundation to help you build reliable, stable, and secure drivers.

  • Verify and test your driver by using the best tools available. Instrument your drivers by using tools such as PREfast and Static Driver Verifier to find problems at compile time, and then test, test, and retest throughout the driver's life.

  • Digitally sign and install your driver based on best practices for minimal user intervention.

  • Maintain your driver throughout its life in the marketplace by using best practices for reliability, security, and serviceability. Take advantage of Windows Error Reporting (WER) data to understand any driver failures that your customers encounter.

Getting Started with Driver Development
If you are new to Windows driver development, start here for pointers into first steps for concepts, tools, and driver models.

Plug and Play and Power Management for Drivers
For the best possible user experience, a driver must cooperate with Windows components so that it loads automatically and participates in system power management.

Key Driver Concepts
Whatever the driver model and device class for your driver, you need a good understanding of Windows system internals such as memory management, I/O flow, and IRPs.

Driver Tips: What Every Developer Needs to Know
The Windows Driver team provides insider tips and tricks for understanding and applying best practices in device drivers.

Resources
White PaperWDK Documentation Download
WHDC Portal/NodalDriver Developer Community Resources
WHDC Portal/NodalDriver Signing Requirements for Windows
WHDC Portal/NodalDriver Tips: Best Practices for Windows Device Drivers
WHDC Portal/NodalNotes from Windows Development Teams
WHDC Portal/NodalSupport for Developer Kits and Tools
OtherDriver Developer Blogs
Microsoft.comWDK Online

 

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