.NET Rocks!

Vishwas Lele, founder of a startup utilizing Azure OpenAI tools for automating government RFP writing, discusses the complexities of proposal writing and the need for domain expertise. The conversation explores the challenges of using AI tools, managing data for accuracy, developing AI solutions with domain expertise, and leveraging customer data for content generation and product improvement.

Hilary Stohs-Krause, an expert in creating usable websites without extensive design skills, shares her insights into building effective user interfaces. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity and consistency over complex design libraries. Accessibility is highlighted as a guiding principle for creating intuitive websites. Hilary also stresses how clear design can improve user experiences while addressing the challenges developers face when designers are absent. This engaging discussion provides valuable tips for anyone looking to enhance their web design skills.

Joseph Finney, a key figure in WPF's open-source transition, dives into the exciting resurgence of Windows Presentation Foundation. He shares insights from Microsoft’s recent Build event, highlighting new support for a Windows 11 theme that transforms WPF apps with just a line of code. The discussion touches on the minimal development history since its 2018 open-sourcing, the evolution towards modern UI controls, and the competitive landscape with technologies like Blazor and Win App SDK, showcasing WPF’s relevance today.

Veronika Kolesnikova discusses the new multi-modal capabilities of GPT-4o, including working with text, audio, and images. The conversation also touches on new security features in AI Studio and Windows Recall in Copilot+ PC devices. Exciting advancements in AI technology!

Expert Mark Brown discusses CosmosDB's role in AI, including ChatGPT's switch to increase performance. Topics include vector storage, indexing, and the impact of large language models on development.

Software developer Beth Massi discusses the flexibility of app development with MAUI and Blazor, allowing for mobile, web, or desktop focus. Mixing Blazor with MAUI provides options to avoid XAML. MAUI offers various choices for building clients. Discussion includes the new webview on GitHub for embedding web pages in MAUI apps.

Damian Brady, an expert on GitHub, discusses the evolution of GitHub with insights on Copilot and Copilot Workspaces. Topics include large language models changing code writing, Software Bill of Materials, and effective sponsorship of projects. The conversation explores how GitHub is becoming the locus of development for many companies, making tooling more advanced and convenient.

Leaders of C# language development Mads Torgersen and Dustin Campbell discuss the iterative evolution of C# with annual updates, gradual feature introductions, embracing new ideas, challenges of AI in coding, and the influence of Python on language development.

Tech influencer Scott Hanselman joins hosts to discuss the origins and evolution of podcasts, reflect on retro tech nostalgia, explore social media platforms, emphasize the importance of diversity in programming, and highlight the human element in creating tech products. The episode is filled with anecdotes, humor, and insights from Scott's long career in the industry.

The Nomadic Developer returns - and is working on AI technology! After fifteen years, Aaron Erickson returns to .NET Rocks to talk to Carl and Richard about his nomadic adventures. Aaron talks about the twists and turns of moving from consultant at Thoughtworks to leadership in a tech company, leading a startup, and now being part of the team at nVidia exploring the potential of machine learning and large language models. While the journey is inspiring, Aaron's passion for his latest work sparks a robust conversation about automation and the potential of what is being built today!