Ready for more Rockstar? Carl and Richard chat with Dylan Beattie about the programming language known as Rockstar. Dylan talks about a joke that got wildly out of hand - back when recruiters were all about rockstar developers, why shouldn't there be a programming language? And then it happened - a language where the code looks (and sounds) like glam rock lyrics! And now there's a new version coming - more rocking to be done!

Vlad Khononov, a software architect and author of the book on balancing coupling in software design, dives into the intricacies of software architecture. He discusses the three critical aspects of coupling: information, distance, and volatility. When misaligned, they complicate development, especially in microservices. Vlad emphasizes that team dynamics can significantly impact software effectiveness, suggesting that organizing teams differently might improve application development. Additionally, he touches on legacy integration challenges and the evolution of software structures.

Dan Roth, Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, dives into the exciting updates in Blazor coming with .NET 9. He reveals performance enhancements, improved MAUI interactions, and new SignalR features. The conversation highlights how user feedback shapes Blazor's development process through GitHub. Roth also discusses the evolution of web applications, emphasizing the shift towards smarter components and the potential for better state management. The episode showcases a vibrant mix of technical insights and community engagement in the Blazor ecosystem.

Chris Klug, a Developer Architect at ActiveSolution, shares his insights on building cloud-native applications. He emphasizes that it's possible to develop cloud solutions without relying solely on Kubernetes. The discussion delves into leveraging the cloud's scalability while handling outages, exploring the learning curve for developers, and user experience in cloud environments. Klug also introduces .NET Aspire, highlighting how it can streamline the creation of .NET cloud-native apps and enhance the developer experience.

Chris Sells, a developer advocate and consultant with a rich background at Google and Meta, dives into a world of mobile development and AI. He shares insights on his work with Flutter and the evolution of augmented reality into AI-driven applications. Chris discusses how generative AI is revolutionizing app development, including features like ingredient substitution in recipe apps. He also envisions using AR to revitalize abandoned spaces and emphasizes the collaborative spirit within the Flutter community. Expect a blend of technology, innovation, and nostalgia!

How do you make your own copilot? Carl and Richard talk to Prashant Bhoyar about his work with Copilot Studio and Azure AI Studio. Prashant describes how Copilot Studio lives in the Power Platform space while Azure AI Studio is more related to Visual Studio, in that it is a tool for developers of AI technology. Anything built in Azure AI Studio can be surfaced in Copilot Studio - another kind of fusion development! Lots of conversation about what works well and what is difficult with these tools, and how to avoid some critical mistakes!

Ryan Dahl, the mastermind behind Node.js and its successor Deno, shares insights on the evolution of web development. He discusses the simplification of web application building and his vision for a cohesive set of tools. The conversation unveils challenges surrounding Oracle's JavaScript trademark and his efforts to liberate it for developers. Dahl also contrasts Node.js with Deno, emphasizing its user-friendly nature and better dependency management. Dive into the dynamic landscape of modern web technology as Dahl critiques licensing strategies and shares his journey.

Debbie O'Brien, a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft and Google Developer Expert, shares her expertise in web technologies and Playwright, Microsoft's open-source testing framework. She discusses the new Playwright Testing service on Azure, allowing developers to focus on testing without infrastructure headaches. The conversation covers automated testing strategies, including unit tests, and the multi-language support that Playwright offers. Debbie emphasizes community feedback's role in enhancing testing processes and invites developers to dive into Playwright to improve their applications.

Mark Rendle, founder of Rendell Labs, is known for his engaging tech talks and work in .NET development. In this conversation, he emphasizes the importance of simplicity in software design over trendy, complicated solutions. Mark critiques cloud-native development, advocating for less convoluted methods, especially with tools like Kubernetes. He amusingly shares insights from his parody band, highlighting how humor can intersect with tech. The discussion also touches on effective management of Kubernetes and the significance of user experience in development.

Billy Hollis, a seasoned designer specializing in user interaction and application architecture, discusses the financial benefits of investing in good design. He emphasizes how clear design saves time and prevents costly code rework. The conversation dives into the loss of institutional knowledge as experienced employees retire, highlighting the urgency for modernization. Hollis also explores the evolving principles of user experience, advocating for intuitive design solutions that cater to diverse user needs while enhancing collaboration in tech teams.