SoCal Code Camp – Fullerton 2012
I hope everyone in southern California is planning to attend this years SoCal Code Camp in Fullerton, Ca on 1/28 – 1/29. It’s always a great time and lots of free training!
I will be presenting the following sessions and I hope you will attend.
.NET Coding Standards For The Real World
Revamped for 2012, this session will guide any level of programmer to greater productivity by providing the information needed to write consistent, maintainable code. Learn about project setup, assembly layout, code style, defensive programming and much, much more. Code tips are included to help you write better, error free applications. Lots of code examples in C# and VB.NET. This session is based off my latest book, David McCarter’s .NET Coding Standards.
Geeks Anonymous
What do programmers really want? Do you work at a great or bad company? Are you frustrated with your job? Are you stressed out to the point your head wants to explode? What can be done about this and more subjects? Attend this session and find out the answers from your fellow geeks. This will be a highly collaborative session and you are guaranteed to learn a lot!
Before the session, please take this quick poll:
How To Survive The Technical Interview
Have you ever not gotten a job due to not being prepared for the technical interview? I’ve have interviewed 100′s of software developers and will share my knowledge on how to survive, what we look for and even divulge some of the secrets we use during the process. This session will include advice from hiring managers and even recruiters!
All slides and videos can be found here: http://www.slideshare.net/dotNetDave and on YouTube.
Please rate my talks by going to: http://speakerrate.com/dotnetdave
Win Free Stuff!
Anyone seen with any item from my Code Camp store, will win some cool swag!
Pictures and Video
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidmccarter/tags/socalcodecamp/
Real World API Design Using The Entity Framework Services
In this session I will show you how I used the Entity Framework Services to design and create an API servicing layer to expose back end data to partners. We will dive into using the Entity Framework (data layer), WCF Data Services (service layer), T4 templates (business entities), WCF Message Inspectors (security) and more.
Fundamentals of the .NET Framework class at UCSD (Winter 2012)
Starting on Wednesday February 8th, I will be teaching my Fundamentals of the .NET Framework class UCSD. Here is the official description:
Visual Studio and the .NET Framework both provide tools that yield an overall increase in productivity for developers. Still, the avalanche of technologies today can seem overwhelming. The goal of this class is to teach students about the various technologies available to .NET developers, to learn the value proposition of each, and to compare and contrast technologies where appropriate. We’ll cover language and platform trends, data access technologies, Windows and web development, middle-tier and service-oriented technologies, federated identity, and cloud computing. Students will leave this class with a well-rounded, high-level understanding of the power of the .NET Framework, the architectural possibilities for solutions, and the appropriate place for each technology within those solutions.
I call this class my 6 week mind meld about the .NET Framework! This class is geared to not only developers from any language, but also non-developers like managers, PM’s, QA and more. Even had a HR employee from a company take the class!
This class is a pure lecture class! There is no homework (only online reading and video), no assignments and no labs! The final consists of 4 multiple choice questions with one extra credit question. NO ONE has gotten a grade lower than a B in this class unless they missed two or more nights.
For more info and to register, please go to: http://dotnetdaveclasses.notlong.com/
Hope to see you there!
PLEASE forward this post to anyone you thing might be interested in the class.
Tips for Attending a Code Camp Conference
As I write this post, I’m entering my 7th year of attending/ speaking at Code Camp conferences. Here are some tips that might help you get the full experience.
Register
Even though Code Camps are free, it’s very important to register for the event. This lets the organizers know how many people are coming to make sure there is enough rooms, food, prizes etc.
If the web site has the ability to show your interest for a session, please check that session. This really helps out the session planners to decide what size room a session needs to be schedule for. Have you ever had to stand in a session… this is why.
If the conference is out of your area and over one day long, make sure to book a hotel. The sooner the better to get a cheaper price and avoid all rooms near the location being taken.
Before You Arrive
Most Code Camp sites have the ability to print out your schedule. Make sure you do this before you arrive (usually the night before). Also many Code Camps are held at a collage campus which can be difficult to navigate. Make sure to print out any provided maps to make getting around easier.
Code Camps start early, so prepare the following items as necessary the night before:
- Notepad
- Pen
- Business cards. Makes it much easier to network with your fellow Code Campers and speakers. Also sometimes needed to win swag/ prizes. Overnight Prints is a cheap way to design and order business cards.
- Snacks and water.
Unless you have a deadline the weekend of the conference, I really don’t recommend bringing a laptop. They are heavy to carry around all day. Power is hard to find. WiFi is not free or spotty and you really should be paying attention, networking etc. at these events anyway.
Arrival
If you haven’t been to the Code Camp location before, leave your house/ hotel early to avoid any traffic and issues finding the appropriate building. You don’t want to miss anything.
Make sure to check in when arrive (each day if the Code Camp is over one day long). This provides the organizers a good head count for ordering food etc. Also make sure to pickup tickets/ info for other events that might be happening during the conference like, lunch, dinner and raffles.
Also try to attend the “kick off session” which is usually the first 10-15 minutes on the first day. This is where you can find out about last minute schedule changes and other events happening during the conference.
Attending Sessions
Try to arrive at sessions early. Sessions can fill up quick and you will be left standing, sitting on the floor or flat out not be able attend. If you printed a map of the location/ buildings, mark off where your sessions will be. This will make it easier and faster for find. If you arrive early, it’s much easier to find the best seat in the house!
Participate! Code Camps is your conference so speak up, ask questions, answer questions! The more you put into a session the more you will get out.
Be kind to the speaker! None of the speakers are being paid, they are doing it out of the kindness of their heart to help you in your programming career. Sure, some might be selling their services, books etc. but they do not get compensated. So if demos go wrong, if they are not 100% prepared etc. go easy on them… provide feedback (in a nice way).
After The Conference
Make sure to followup on the Code Camp web site or speaker site to download and presentation material or sample code for the sessions you were most interested in.
Provide feedback! Both the conference organizers and speakers want to know your feed back, good and bad. This helps make your experience better the next time you attend a Code Camp. Most events don’t send out feedback surveys, so make sure to find the contact email for the event and/or the speaker and speak your mind! Please try to make any criticism constructive.
Please share your tips by adding a comment.
How To Survive The Technical Interview
Have you ever not gotten a job due to not being prepared for the technical interview? I’ve have interviewed 100′s of software developers and will share my knowledge on how to survive, what we look for and even divulge some of the secrets we use during the process. Check out the video below.
Slide deck avaialbe here: http://www.slideshare.net/dotNetDave/how-to-survive-the-technical-interview
Should You Use var in C#?
I get asked this question or get in heated discussions about this all the time:
“I have a standards question regarding the var keyword. I’m starting to see it pop up a LOT in our code and I was wondering if there were any official Microsoft standards regarding its usage. I was under the impression it should only be used for anonymous types and query expressions. What are your thoughts?”
Here is my two cents on the matter:
Unfortunately this is becoming almost a religion thing. Yes, it was added for anonymous types but I personally use it on most of my type declarations (as long it’s obvious what type the variable is… good coding standards apply). Why? Here is why I like it:
- If you have to do a search and replace on a type, it’s MUCH easier if you use var.
- Makes for shorter code lines because you don’t have to type the type twice!
I doubt there is any performance issues either, it’s still strong typed. I don’t think people like it because they are used to the old way of declaring types and maybe the keyword var reminds them of an un-typed variant. In VB it’s Dim, so no confusion there.
What is your opinion?
.NET 4.0 Bug with SqlConnection Object
We recently completed some load tests and found a bug with the SqlConnection object in .NET 4.0. When reviewing the results of our load test we noticed that the handle count climbed up to 85,000 and never went down. After investigation we found the problem is with the SqlConnection object.
We contacted Microsoft about the issue and they confirmed this is a bug with .NET 4.0. Microsoft currently has no plans to create a .NET 4.0 patch for this bug. The bug is fixed for .NET 4.5.
Basically if an app/process uses a SqlConnection and is never under memory pressure the garbage collector will never run. This will cause the handles to continually rise. The handle count will rise even after we close and dispose the SQLConnection object. You can view the handle count in your task manager under the “Processes”. You may have to select to show the Handles column under the “View” menu option.
A work around is to periodically explicitly call System.GC.Collect. This is not a recommended action because this will block all threads when the garbage collection occurs.
The Microsoft assigned bug number: CLR bug 288562
Here is what Microsoft had to say about the issue:
“The problem is that the garbage collector is very slow to collect managed thread objects created by the thread pool. The thread pool is being utilized every few minutes by SqlConnection to check the status of the connection pool. The reason that the garbage collector is slow to collect them is that there is very little activity going on, and the garbage collector keys off of activity to decide when to collect.
A potential workaround is to manually call System.GC.Collect at some interval to force a collection. For example, I created a timer in the test program that ran System.GC.Collect every 5 seconds, and there was no handle growth.
This issue happened when the app is not under memory pressure, you would see this issue.
When the app comes under memory pressure, GC will be kicked in automatically and these leaked handles will be claimed back.
We fixed in 4.5. The workaround is to call GC once in a while to clean it up if the app is not memory pressure related.”
Again this bug only exists in .NET 4.0.
You can see additional info here:
Tip By: Author Revita
Los Angeles Code Camp 2011
I hope everyone in southern California is planning to attend this years SoCal Code Camp in Los Angeles, Ca on 10/15 – 10/16. It’s always a great time and lots of free training!
I will be giving away free books and geeky swag at my sessions… BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARD!
Building nTier Applications with Entity Framework Services
Saturday @ 12:15 in SLH-102
Learn how to build real world nTier applications with the Entity Framework and related services. With this new technology built into .NET, you can easily wrap an object model around your database and have all the data access automatically generated or use your own stored procedures and views. Then learn how to easily and securely expose your object model using WCF with just a few line of code using WCF Data Services. The session will demonstrate how to create and consume these new technologies from the ground up.
Real World API Design Using The Entity Framework Services
Saturday @ 1:30 in SLH-102
In this session I will show you how I used the Entity Framework Services to design and create an API servicing layer to expose back-end data to partners. We will dive into using the Entity Framework (data layer), WCF Data Services (service layer), T4 templates (business entities), WCF Message Inspectors (security) and more.
Back-2-Basics: .NET Coding Standards For The Real World
Sunday @ 13:30 in SLH-200
Revamped for 2011 (90% new material), this session will guide any level of programmer to greater productivity by providing the information needed to write consistent, maintainable code. Learn about project setup, assembly layout, code style, defensive programming and much, much more. Code tips are included to help you write better, error free applications. Lots of code examples in C# and VB.NET. This session is based on my latest book, David McCarter’s .NET Coding Standards.
How To Survive The Technical Interview
Sunday @ 1:45 in SLH-200
Have you ever not gotten a job due to not being prepared for the technical interview? I have interviewed 100′s of software developers and will share my knowledge on how to survive, what we look for and even divulge some of the secrets we use during the process.
All slides and videos can be found here: http://www.slideshare.net/dotNetDave
Please rate my talks by going to: http://speakerrate.com/dotnetdave
Books & DVD
You can pick up any of my books (even eBook format) by going here: http://dotnetcodingstandards.notlong.com/
You can also pick up my conference DVD (packed full of goodies) by clicking here.
I will have books and DVD’s at my sessions to sell. Now accepting credit cards!
Win Free Swag!
Anyone seen with any item from my Code Camp store, will win some cool swag!
Pictures and Video
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidmccarter/tags/socalcodecamp/
Silicon Valley Code Camp 2011
I hope everyone in northern California is planning to attend this years Silicon Vally Code Camp on 10/8 – 10/9. This will be my first time speaking… I’m really looking forward to it!
I will be giving away free books and geeky swag at my sessions… BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARD!
Building nTier Applications with Entity Framework Services
11:15 AM Saturday
Learn how to build real world nTier applications with the Entity Framework and related services. With this new technology built into .NET, you can easily wrap an object model around your database and have all the data access automatically generated or use your own stored procedures and views. Then learn how to easily and securely expose your object model using WCF with just a few line of code using WCF Data Services. The session will demonstrate how to create and consume these new technologies from the ground up.
Back-2-Basics: .NET Coding Standards For The Real World
9:45 AM Saturday
Revamped for 2011 (90% new material), this session will guide any level of programmer to greater productivity by providing the information needed to write consistent, maintainable code. Learn about project setup, assembly layout, code style, defensive programming and much, much more. Code tips are included to help you write better, error free applications. Lots of code examples in C# and VB.NET. This session is based on my latest book, David McCarter’s .NET Coding Standards.
How To Survive The Technical Interview
3:30 PM Saturday
Have you ever not gotten a job due to not being prepared for the technical interview? I have interviewed 100′s of software developers and will share my knowledge on how to survive, what we look for and even divulge some of the secrets we use during the process. This session will include mock interviews, so bring your resume!
All slides and videos can be found here: http://www.slideshare.net/dotNetDave
Please rate my talks by going to: http://speakerrate.com/dotnetdave
Books & DVD
You can pick up any of my books (even eBook format) by going here: http://dotnetcodingstandards.notlong.com/
You can also pick up my conference DVD (packed full of goodies) by clicking here.
I will have books and DVD’s at my sessions to sell. Now accepting credit cards!
Win Free Swag!
Anyone seen with any item from my Code Camp store, will win some cool swag!
SQL Saturday #95
I hope everyone in southern California is planning to attend this years SQL Saturday in San Diego, CA on September 17th. It’s always a great time and lots of free training!
I will have a limited number of my latest book to sell “David McCarter’s .NET Coding Standards” ($12) and a DVD full of conference sessions on video, slides, code and more ($15 or both for $25) at the end of each session. Please try to bring exact change or a check.
I will be presenting the following sessions and I hope you will attend.
Building nTier Applications with Entity Framework Services
Learn how to build real world nTier applications with the Entity Framework and related services. With this new technology built into .NET, you can easily wrap an object model around your database and have all the data access automatically generated or use your own stored procedures and views. Then learn how to easily and securely expose your object model using WCF with just a few line of code using ADO.NET Data Services. The session will demonstrate how to create and consume these new technologies from the ground up.
Real World API Design Using The Entity Framework Services
In this session I will show you how I used the Entity Framework Services to design and create an API servicing layer to expose back end data to partners. We will dive into using the Entity Framework (data layer), WCF Data Services (service layer), T4 templates (business entities), WCF Message Inspectors (security) and more.
All slides and videos can be found here: http://www.slideshare.net/dotNetDave
Please rate my talks by going to: http://speakerrate.com/dotnetdave
