Of course documentation shouldn't be like this!

Publishing this several months after I wrote it - the issues were eventually addressed and I managed to unblock myse...

Four views of XAML development

Having spoken with hundreds of developers about XAML development, they almost all fall into one of three groups:They've been using it for a long time (many years) and have grown happy with how it is. They can be productive and aren't interested in change.People who don't like it and have decided to use something else instead.People who begrudgingly use it, moan about some of its "quirks", and don't...

Why do I care about XAML if I have such seemingly lofty software development goals?

Wanting to improve things for many people using software by providing better tools for developers may seem at odds with my focus on XAML. Afterall, XAML is a relatively small language only used for making native (mobile and desktop) apps by people building with .NET. If I wanted to really make a big impact, why not look to do something online? or with AI?Yes, more people use web-based technologies...

Software development as "creative problem solving" - and me.

The following is inspired by multiple interviews with actors and comedians. - Yes, I find software development inspiration in unusual places.A motivated person who wants to make it in the 'arts' will typically have to do many things by and for themselves.This means being a creative problem solver.Want to put on a show but don't have a stage, set, or costumes? - Work something out!Want to make a film...

Job titles in tech compared with other collaborative work in creative industries

Ok, that sounds like a boring and almost academic title, but this is about how filmmaking, food, and events can help me think about creating software.Look at all the names that are displayed in the credits at the end of a movie.So many names, each with a specific title, and each title implying a specific set of tasks. Those tasks may each require a specific set of skills, talents, and abilities.It's...