The Library Experience (LEX) team is proud to announce the release of "lightweight beta view" for MSDN library! Please check-out the new library view at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system(lightweight).aspx.

We blogged about ScriptFree (loband) version of the library view at http://blogs.msdn.com/innovation/archive/2009/04/22/launching-low-bandwidth-loband-v1-and-new-ide-view.aspx. In addition, Scott Hanselman from MSDN team blogged about MSDN/Technet/Expression library ScriptFree experience at http://www.hanselman.com/blog/LowBandwidthViewAndOtherHiddenAndFutureFeaturesOfMSDN.aspx. Microsoft MVP John Galloway posted details on the ScriptFree feature of library at http://weblogs.asp.net/jgalloway/archive/2008/08/30/msdn-low-bandwidth-bookmarklet.aspx.

Based on your feedback on the above posts and from the Library Feedback Forum, we have launched a new view for MSDN Library with the following improvements:

  1. Search: We have added "Bing" search to our library topics (which is missing in ScriptFree view) based on your feedback.
  2. Simpler Layout with Fresh, clean new look: Lightweight view replaces the navigation tree view on the left with a simpler layout.
  3. Smaller Page Weight and Faster Page Load: With minimal scripts and controls we currently measure 2.5 seconds worldwide page load time for lightweight view.
  4. Improved Navigation for API documentation: I have screen shots below for System.xml NameTable class page as an example for the improved navigation. We have added tabbed code blocks based on your feedback.
  5. Discoverability: We have added temporary "Switcher" control for improved discoverability.
  6. Feedback Link: We have added temporary "feedback" control to get your input for future improvements.

The following System.xml NameTable class page provides the new lightweight view for API pages:

  • Using the "switch view" selection, you can "persist lightweight view" as your default library experience. Click on "Feedback" link to rate and send us your feedback about this view:

We would love to hear your feedback. Please provide us your input using the new Feedback control in the library pages or through the feedback forum . We plan on blogging monthly with updates to lightweight presentations. Cheers.

 

Anand..