A nice article on Measuring API Usability in a recent issue of Dr. Dobbs. Thanks to Brad Abrams for getting permission to make this article available online.
The User Interface Process (UIP) Application Block - Version 2 was recently released to MSDN on April 9th. UIP v2 is the next version of one of the most popular application blocks created by our Patterns & Practices group. This block is a reusable code component that builds on the capabilities of the Microsoft .NET Framework to help you separate your business logic code from the user interface. The UIP Application Block is based on the model-view-controller (MVC) pattern. You can use the block to write complex user interface navigation and workflow processes that can be reused in multiple scenarios and extended as your application evolves. The Application Block includes:
· Support for Smart Client Applications, including state persistence using isolated storage
· New views supported: hosted controls, wizards, and floating windows
· A number of fixes and enhancements to V1.
This looks like the start of some good higher-level architectural guidance in the form of a journal:
Microsoft Architect's Journal - a platform where authoritative software architects from all corners of Microsoft's architect community will discuss the connection between opportunities once out of reach and the solutions that now make them possible. It will be a platform for thought leadership on a wide range of subjects on enterprise application architecture, design and development.
Seems like another good opportunity to plug our Patterns & Practices group too. They’ve produced some very good material.
The C# team and other members of the C# community are answering some Frequently Asked Questions via a blog that rolls up to a page on MSDN. I’ve been asked a number of these questions myself by partners and customers, so this should serve as an excellent resource going forward.
Ron Jeffries, author of Extreme Programming Adventures in C#, will discuss the application of Extreme Programming design and development techniques using C# and the.NET Framework in an upcoming Webcast on April 15th. If you haven’t tried test-driven development, or if you’re curious about the technique, this should be an excellent presentation. I’m a huge fan of TDD, and if you’d like to learn more, check out testdriven.com.