Wednesday, April 02, 2025

Never create an IValueConverter again?

An `IValue Converter` is a way to modify a value that is provided via a binding. I rarely use them, but others use them frequently and find the experience to be less than ideal.I stopped using them a long time ago (while still using Silverlight) because they had a significant and noticeable performance impact. The performance impact today isn't as noticeable, but I haven't gone back.By not using them,...

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Monday, March 24, 2025

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...

Sunday, March 23, 2025

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...