January 2017

Volume 32 Number 1

C++ - Introducing C++/WinRT

[C++]

Introducing C++/WinRT

Kenny Kerr

C++/WinRT is a standard C++ language projection for the Windows Runtime (WinRT) implemented solely in header files. It lets you both author and consume WinRT APIs using any standards-compliant C++ compiler, and is designed to provide C++ developers with first-class access to the modern Windows API.

Data Points - EF Core 1.1: A Few of My Favorite ThingsColumn

[Data Points]

EF Core 1.1: A Few of My Favorite Things

Julie Lerman

Julie Lerman explores the latest version of Entity Framework Core—the 1.1 Preview—taking note of fixes, additions that bring it closer to EF6, and some brand new capabilities.

Cognitive Services - Enable Natural Language Interaction with LUIS

[Cognitive Services]

Enable Natural Language Interaction with LUIS

Ashish Sahu

The Language Understanding Intelligence Service (LUIS) enables parsing and the breakdown of natural language queries into actionable intents and entities. This article looks at the capabilities of the LUIS service, shows how to create language-understanding models, and explores training LUIS apps to better understand the spoken language.

Essential .NET - Essential MSBuild: A Build Engine Overview for .NET ToolingColumn

[Essential .NET]

Essential MSBuild: A Build Engine Overview for .NET Tooling

Mark Michaelis

The project file for .NET Core projects has finally stabilized into an MSBuild file, but simplified and improved over the old version. Mark Michaelis describes the new MSBuild and provides a broad overview of the places where MSBuild is leveraged within the .NET Tooling suite.

HoloLens - Introduction to the HoloLens, Part 2: Spatial Mapping

[HoloLens]

Introduction to the HoloLens, Part 2: Spatial Mapping

Adam Tuliper

In his second article on developing for the HoloLens, Adam Tuliper looks at spatial mapping, which provides a detailed representation of the environment around the HoloLens, allowing you to create a compelling mixed-reality experience.

The Working Programmer - How To Be MEAN: Type Script with TypeScriptColumn

[The Working Programmer]

How To Be MEAN: Type Script with TypeScript

Ted Neward

In this month’s The Working Programmer column, Ted Neward looks at TypeScript, the AngularJS-endorsed language for building AngularJS 2 applications.

Mobile DevOps - Automate Complex Deployments with Release Management

[Mobile DevOps]

Automate Complex Deployments with Release Management

Kraig Brockschmidt

Kraig Brockschmidt continues his series on the Mobile DevOps release pipeline by exploring release management—managing the flow of all the build artifacts through multiple pipelines on the journey to deployment.

Modern Apps - Exploring the UWP Community ToolkitColumn

[Modern Apps]

Exploring the UWP Community Toolkit

Frank La

The UWP Community Toolkit makes it easier to create great apps that leverage the power of the cloud and of the Universal Windows Platform. It includes a collection of helper functions, custom controls, and app services that simplify common developer tasks.

Machine Learning - Exploring the Microsoft CNTK Machine Learning Tool

[Machine Learning]

Exploring the Microsoft CNTK Machine Learning Tool

James McCaffrey

The Microsoft Computational Network Tool Kit is a very powerful, command-line system that can create neural network prediction systems. In this article I walk through the process of installing CNTK, setting up a demo prediction problem, creating a neural network model, making a prediction, and interpreting the results.

Upstart - You're Hired: 11 Things to Consider with Side ProjectsColumn

[Upstart]

You're Hired: 11 Things to Consider with Side Projects

Krishnan Rangachari

Side projects are a great way to fill out your resume and make yourself more attractor to recruiters. That is, as long as you do it right.

Don't Get Me Started - For the DefenseColumn

[Don't Get Me Started]

For the Defense

David Platt

A man who dedicated his career to defending the accused has some interesting things to say about encryption. David Platt thinks we might want to listen to him.

Editor's Note - Outside In: How Kenny Kerr Brought C++/WinRT to MicrosoftColumn

[Editor's Note]

Outside In: How Kenny Kerr Brought C++/WinRT to Microsoft

Michael Desmond

This month Kenny Kerr writes about C++/WinRT, the standard C++ language projection for Windows Runtime that he created outside of Microsoft and now works on internally as part of the Windows team.