Engineering in the white spaces
Yet more from my backlog of somewhat interesting techie links.
- Microsoft changes how it builds software: An interesting Wall Street Journal article claims that Jim Allchin pushed past the doubts of Bill Gates and many Vista engineers to change the way that Vista is being developed. The article is rather short on details, but the basic concept is that Vista now has a central core upon which other services can be added (or pulled) without disrupting the entire system. Otherwise known as the "reset" event.
- Manage dependencies, not aesthetics: An insight about the Single Responsibility Principle and code design (via Len Holgate). Be sure to read the comments as well as the article.
- IIS authentication: A good summary of an important subject for .NET developers.
- SQL Server 2005 and the .NET CLR: SQL Server DBAs should be quaking in their boots at the prospect of .NET programs running within their domain. Although this whitepaper is called a DBA's guide, it is required reading for any .NET developer who wants to take advantage of the CLR being embedded in SQL Server.
- Stored procedures are not evil: There have been some interesting debates recently in the blogosphere about the merits of SQL Server stored procedures versus inline SQL. Kimberly Tripp is incredibly knowledgeable about SQL Server, so when she talks, you should listen.
- Why software sucks: More excellent insights into the software development process from Scott Berkun, an ex-Softie. Scott recently wrote a book on "The Art of Project Management". As a writer myself, I rarely recommend any book unreservedly - but this one is really special. Just buy it - now! Trust me - I do mean now.