Microsoft Build: Software Development and .NET (Kathleen Dollard)
Jul 11, 2023
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Guest Kathleen Dollard, experienced software developer in .NET, discusses the evolution of systems and improvements in software development processes. They also talk about programming languages in .NET, from C# to F# and Visual Basic, and highlight the resources available for learning dotnet and the Microsoft MVP program. Kathleen also shares advice for recent grads to pursue their passion while considering the cost, and emphasizes the value of learning from others.
The shift from Visual Basic 6 to .NET provided significant improvements in productivity and enabled the development of code analyzers.
The addition of F-sharp as a programming language in .NET revolutionized the framework, offering functional programming capabilities and domain-specific language creation.
Deep dives
Evolution of Systems and Software Development Process
Kathleen Dallard, a principal program manager at Microsoft, discusses how systems and software development have evolved over the years. She highlights the improvements in the process of developing software and the evolution of different programming languages such as C-sharp, F-sharp, and Visual Basic. Dallard emphasizes the importance of understanding the changes and advancements in the field to effectively adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
Key Innovations in the.NET Framework
Dallard explains some key innovations that she has witnessed in the.NET framework as a user. She mentions the transition from Visual Basic 6 to.NET, which was initially challenging due to the absence of certain features like static/shared in VB. However, the shift to.NET proved to be a significant step forward, improving productivity and enabling the development of code analyzers. Dallard also highlights the addition of F-sharp as a major milestone for.NET, offering an experimental space for functional programming on the.NET framework. She further mentions the introduction of.NET Core, which addressed performance issues and allowed for advancements beyond the limitations of.NET Framework.
Benefits of Different Programming Languages in.NET
Dallard explains the value and benefits of using different programming languages in the.NET ecosystem. She emphasizes that the choice of language depends on specific needs and preferences. Dallard highlights the stability and interop capability of Visual Basic, making it suitable for certain scenarios. She describes C-sharp as the primary language in.NET, constantly evolving and providing a rapid development experience. Additionally, Dallard discusses the significance of F-sharp, a functional language in.NET, which offers immutability and nullability features. She mentions its ability to create domain-specific languages (DSLs) and work on more complex tasks where C-sharp might not be as suitable.
Advice for Recent Grads
Dallard shares a piece of advice she finds important for recent graduates: do what you love but also understand the cost. She encourages pursuing one's passion but stresses the need to recognize the sacrifices and trade-offs that come with it. Dallard shares her personal experience of dedicating years to her work with minimal compensation, which ultimately paid off in the long term. She advises graduates to balance their aspirations with realistic considerations, while also emphasizing the value of collaboration and active listening, encouraging individuals to approach conversations and learning opportunities with humility and a genuine desire to learn.
Kathleen has been writing software in .NET and other Microsoft technologies for over 20 years. We talked about how systems have evolved and how the process of developing software has improved. Kathleen also talked about different programming languages such as C#, F# and Visual Basic.
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