.NET Rocks!

Maddy Montaquila, Senior Product Manager at Microsoft and product lead for Aspire, guides the tool’s multi-language and multi-cloud future. She talks about broadening support beyond .NET to JavaScript and Python. She covers CLI, in-dashboard Copilot, multi-cloud deployments, AI integration with Foundry, docs and stabilization, and pathways to add Aspire to new and existing projects.

In a lively discussion, Gerald Versluis, a software engineer on the .NET team at Microsoft, dives into the latest advancements in MAUI and .NET 10. He highlights key features like improved quality and performance. The conversation also touches on innovative integrations with Uno, Avalonia, and Azure, enhancing development ease. Gerald reveals how they're transforming XAML with source generation, optimizing UX with updates like Media Picker, and the challenges of transitioning from Xamarin to MAUI. Community events and partnerships add to the excitement around the platform's future!

How do you distribute Windows apps? Carl and Richard chat with Shmueli Englard about the power of distributing apps through the Microsoft Store. You package your app as an MSIX and can deploy it to the Microsoft Store, and then send updates through it as well. If you want to charge for the app, Microsoft will do the licensing and payment systems for you (for a fee, of course), but if your software is free, distribution through the Microsoft Store is also free! Want to do your own updates? You can do that too.

In this exciting discussion, Sam Basu, a developer advocate for the Uno Platform, and Jérôme Laban, CTO of Uno, explore the latest with Uno following .NET 10's release. They delve into how AI is influencing UI development and improving workflows through tools like MCPs. The duo also compares Uno with .NET MAUI, emphasizing Uno's unique cross-platform capabilities and integration with web technologies. They highlight innovations such as Hot Design for live editing and the benefits of migrating legacy apps, showcasing Uno's cutting-edge approach to development.

Dive into the evolving world of energy with a focus on renewable sources and innovative technologies. Discover how solar and wind power are surging, and learn about breakthrough battery technologies like sodium and solid-state options. Hear insights on AI’s potential impact on energy demand and storage solutions. Uncover the complexities of nuclear advancements and the exciting prospects of geothermal and wave power. Plus, explore the future of hydrogen production and the dynamics of the energy supply chain.

Dive into a year packed with cosmic wonders! Discover the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS and the record-breaking launches by SpaceX, including the challenges of Starship's development. Learn about the ongoing legacy of the International Space Station, future commercial space stations, and the latest lunar missions with successes and fails alike. Plus, explore the ambitious Moonlight program for lunar communication and the skepticism about space-based data centers. It's a thrilling update on the future of space exploration!

Jeff Fritz, a Principal Program Manager on Microsoft's .NET community team, and Bill Wolf, a seasoned Philly.NET organizer, dive into the transformative impact of AI on software development. They tackle listener concerns about the costs and controls associated with AI technologies, discussing various approaches to tool utilization. The duo explores 'vibe coding' for rapid application prototyping, AI's role in specialized engineering, and the necessity for careful constraints around AI permissions. They emphasize embedding AI to enhance user experiences and predict a shift toward efficient, localized models post-bubble.

Gary Ewan Park, a developer and package-management expert at Chocolatey Software, dives deep into the evolving landscape of package management in Windows. He highlights the rise of open-source tools like Chocolatey, Winget, and Scoop, and discusses their roles and features. Security is a major concern as he addresses supply chain attacks and the importance of using vetted repositories. Gary also shares insights on automation in CI/CD processes and the challenges of supporting ARM architectures, all while keeping the community's needs in focus.

Calum Simpson, a solution architect and VP of AI at SSW, dives into the innovative world of AI-centric applications with a focus on his product, YakShaver. He explains how YakShaver streamlines issue reporting, emphasizing the importance of using LLMs and the upcoming V2's integration with Model Context Protocol servers. Calum also shares insights on balancing flexibility and safety in AI tools, the concept of vibe coding for development, and the potential of AI to enhance project delivery by reducing busywork and fostering creativity.

In this insightful discussion, Tom Kerkhove, a Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, dives into making software development more sustainable. He explores how Azure API Management can shift workloads to low-emission data centers and highlight the importance of tracking carbon footprints. Tom emphasizes eliminating wasted compute cycles in CI/CD processes and adopting policies that dynamically reduce emissions based on real-time data. Tune in for strategies that not only enhance performance but also contribute to a greener tech future!