.NET Rocks!

Jeremy Miller, a seasoned software architect and open-source innovator, shares insights on vertical architecture. He emphasizes the importance of quickly delivering functional applications by taking an end-to-end approach. The discussion touches on the balance between thoughtful design and rapid execution, addressing concerns like team collaboration and duplicated efforts. Jeremy also explores the evolution of backend technologies and the challenges of transitioning to NoSQL databases, highlighting how resilience and effective communication are key to project success.

Francois Tanguay, the founder of the Uno Platform, teams up with Sasha Krsmanovic to discuss the groundbreaking Hot Design feature. They explain how it accelerates cross-platform development by integrating real-time UI modifications into live applications. The duo shares insights on the evolution of the Uno Platform and its ability to harmonize various client libraries for smoother app deployment. They also touch on the importance of responsive design and the advancements in tools like Blazor, ultimately revolutionizing how developers approach UI design.

How do customers take control of their data from merchants? Carl and Richard chat with Richard Reukema about his book The Empowered Customer. Richard discusses building a data cooperative between customers and merchants using ethical data handling techniques and technology to create mutual benefit. The conversation dives into how to get merchants to migrate from their loyalty programs into this more constructive and broader model.

Steve Sanderson, a developer on Microsoft's .NET team, dives into how AI can revolutionize app development. He highlights the Microsoft.Extensions.AI toolset that simplifies incorporating AI into applications. Topics include utilizing AI for smarter UI interactions, offering cut-and-paste suggestions, and enhancing user experiences through dynamic changes. The discussion also touches on AI's potential for improving functionality across various applications, alongside ethical considerations and the evolution of large language models.

Nathan Westfall, Senior Software Engineering Manager at Tyler Technologies, shares his journey migrating a school bus application from Xamarin Forms to Blazor. He discusses the intricate relationship between mobile and cloud technologies, emphasizing the efficiency of Blazor in managing parent communications for large-scale operations. Listeners will appreciate the insights on addressing development challenges, enhancing user experience, and ensuring compliance in public service applications. It's a fascinating look into modern software development that redefines everyday app usage!

Isaac Levin, a seasoned web developer and Microsoft MVP, dives into the transformative world of Microsoft Dev Box. He explains how this cloud-based virtual workstation turbocharges development projects with tailored processing, memory, and storage. The conversation highlights its seamless integration with productivity tools, operational benefits, and cost-effectiveness for remote work. Isaac also shares insights into customizing environments while balancing developer autonomy with IT oversight—essential for modern developers seeking efficiency and flexibility.

Rob Conery, a talented software developer at Microsoft and author of "The Imposter's Handbook," joins the conversation to discuss his latest tools, including a VS Code extension for Copilot designed to simplify Postgres database management. He shares insights from his explorations beyond .NET, leading to the creation of Viper.NET, a configuration management tool inspired by Go. The chat also dives into the intriguing impact of GitHub Copilot and its new free tier, sparking debates within the developer community.

Thomas Betts, a laureate software architect at Blackbaud and contributor to InfoQ.com, discusses the practical realities of integrating AI into software applications. He emphasizes that AI is essentially just another API, urging listeners to move beyond the hype. The conversation covers the potential of large language models as UX tools and the importance of precise communication in AI development. Betts also tackles the ethical concerns surrounding agentic AI, highlighting the need for oversight to ensure content accuracy.

The latest discussions revolve around exciting advancements in energy generation, from solar and wind innovations to the resurgence of nuclear power. Key topics include the role of software in energy management and the potential of floating solar and wave power. The podcast also delves into the complexities of grid-scale energy storage and groundbreaking technologies like iron air batteries. Additionally, the conversation touches on carbon-neutral jet fuels, showcasing a future where renewable energy meets innovative solutions.

Dive into the thrilling world of space exploration! Discover how SpaceX broke records with multiple Starship test flights and the groundbreaking catch of the Heavy Booster. Learn about ULA’s Vulcan rocket and the extended ISS mission for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. Get insights into new lunar missions and the future of space stations amidst financial hurdles. Plus, explore the amazing findings from the James Webb Space Telescope that are reshaping our understanding of the universe. A captivating year in space with even greater adventures ahead!