By way of an introduction to this blog series, '26 things every programmer should know in 2012', let me tell you a little about myself.
I'm a Senior Software Development Engineer for Microsoft Corporation, working in Management and Security Division (MSD). My team works closely with the Product Groups to create Solution Accelerators such as MDT (Microsoft Deployment Toolkit). Check us out online: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/solutionaccelerators/bb545941.
I've authored (or co-authored) two published technical books - Pro SQL Server 2005 Integration Services for Apress and TK 70-561 ADO.NET Technical Specialist Training Kit for MSPress.
2012 is my 30th programming 'anniversary', so I thought it would be good to look back at that experience and all the stuff I've learned. I'll pick out any bits I feel are particularly pertinent to the programmer in 2012, and publish them to this blog.
Programming is quite different today than in 1982, but there are still many lessons to be learnt that are just as relevant in 2012 as they were back then. And plenty of new ones too! For example - I've heard in 2012 some employers let their programmers out of their darkened basements occasionally...I don't believe it myself, but that's what I hear.
I'll be concentrating on a few different areas of programming, but when it comes to the technical content, it will center around .NET 4, C#, SQL Server, WPF, Silverlight, XAML, Metro, and System Center platforms such as Service Manager 2012, Configuration Manager 2012 and Orchestrator 2012.
You'll probably read some (or all!) of the articles in this series and think 'duh, that's obvious!' or 'who doesn't know that!!'. If that's the case...great :-). You have, in my opinion at least, a great foundation to build your programming career upon. Let me know what you think every programmer should know in 2012.
You may read the articles and disagree with the content. Again, that's great :-). Stimulating conversation about modern programming is one of the aims of this series. I'd love to hear your arguments - leave a comment below and start the discussion!
My end-goal is to provide an honest, informative but entertaining and lively discussion. There may or may not be a sprinkling of lines from Star Wars and Tron and other 'geek' staples - for which I apologise in advance (I don't think it's cool or funny, but I literally just can't help it).
I'm going to try to be brutally honest and not pull punches, but I don't have the talent to be an 'Eric Brechner'! (http://blogs.msdn.com/b/eric_brechner). I would definitely say however that I take inspiration from him and his work. I've read his 'Hard Code' blog and read the books over the years and find myself agreeing completely with most of what he writes. He's a smart guy who talks a lot of sense - so if you're looking for the 'real deal', check him out.
Let's do this. Starting this week...three weeks later than planned…26 things every programmer should know in 2012.
Coming Soon: Week 1: Fun is a Four Letter Word