Category: events

Speaking at TechBash 2024 on Windows UI Framework Choices

I’ll be speaking at TechBash 2024 next month. This year, TechBash will be happening Sept. 24-27 at the Kalahari Resort in the Poconos. Register by September 8th for the best deal on tickets and rooms!

I’m presenting a session I have given several times this year about choosing the best native Windows UI framework for your next project.

Building a modern, native application for Windows: Which UI framework should you choose?

Here’s what I’ll be covering:

If you want to build a Windows desktop application, you might be overwhelmed by the number of UI frameworks available. How do you choose the best one for your project and your skills? How do you compare the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each framework? How do you ensure your app is modern, native, and scalable?

In this session, you will learn how to make an informed decision for your Windows desktop application by comparing different UI frameworks:

  • WinUI 3: The latest UI framework that lets you create beautiful, fast, and fluid Windows apps.
  • UWP: The UI framework that lets you create universal Windows apps that run on many types of Windows devices.
  • WPF: The UI framework that lets you create rich, powerful Windows desktop apps using .NET and XAML.
  • Windows Forms: The UI framework that lets you create traditional Windows desktop apps quickly using .NET.
  • .NET MAUI: The UI framework that lets you create cross-platform desktop and mobile apps using .NET and XAML.

We will discuss the pros and cons of each framework:

  • The supported platforms and app models
  • The available UI features and controls
  • The performance and reliability
  • The development tools and languages
  • The learning curve and documentation

You will also see some examples of apps built with each framework and learn about their best practices and guidelines. Along the way, you’ll get some tips and resources on how to get started building apps for Windows.

By the end of this session, you will have a clear understanding of different UI frameworks and how to choose the best one for your next Windows application. Whether you are new to Windows desktop development or an experienced developer, this session will help you choose a framework that meets your needs and expectations. Don’t miss this opportunity to untangle the web of UI framework choices and prepare for the future of Windows desktop development!

TechBash discounts end Sept 8th

The Kalahari gave the TechBash team an extra week to provide room discounts, so we’ve also extended the Standard registration rate until September 8th. Get your tickets and book your room by the 8th to save $100 on registration and get your room for $184/night. Plus the Kalahari is waiving the resort fee of over $40 per night for TechBash guests. You can also save an extra 10% on a 3-day or 4-day ticket with EventBrite code DOTNET10.

See the TechBash website for all the details.

I hope to see you there next month!

My new book, Learn WinUI 3, 2nd Edition is now available

Learn WinUI 3, 2nd Edition was published on October 31st! Get your print or Kindle copy on Amazon today or read it online with a subscription from Packt Publishing.

Many thanks to Peter Foot for his tech review of the content and to the Packt editors for helping me get this into your hands a few weeks early. All the code and content in the second edition have been updated to work with the latest Windows App SDK versions available today. It also includes three brand-new chapters on app notifications, Template Studio for WinUI, and porting WinUI 3 apps to Uno Platform.
Order Print or Kindle
If you’re attending TechBash 2023 next week, I’ll be there with five signed copies of the book to give away to some lucky attendees. If you’re interested in WinUI and cross-platform apps, Steve Bilogan will also be at TechBash, presenting a half-day workshop on creating xplat .NET apps with Uno Platform. There’s still time to register, and you can get 10% off with EventBrite code DOTNET10. I hope to see some of you there!
Learn WinUI 3, Second Edition

My Session at TechBash 2023 Next Month: How to Become a Microsoft Learn Contributor

Time is running out to register for TechBash 2023. Friday, October 13th is the final day for two key items:

  • Standard Registration ends – ticket prices increase by $100 on Saturday.
  • TechBash room block at the Kalahari Resort ends, along with our $179/night rate. Regular room rates will apply beginning Saturday, Oct 14th.

You can save even more by using the EventBrite 10% off code, DOTNET10, in honor of .NET Conf and the .NET 8 release, which are coming up the week following TechBash.

This year, I’ll be presenting at TechBash for the first time. I’m excited to step out from behind the registration booth. My session is titled Share, Learn, and Grow: How to Become a Microsoft Learn Contributor. Here is an abbreviated description of the session:

Do you want to be part of one of the largest open-source projects in the world and help millions of learners achieve their goals? Do you want to learn how the Skilling teams at Microsoft are creating relevant and up-to-date content on Microsoft Learn? If so, then this session is for you!

In this session, you will learn how to use GitHub to contribute to the Microsoft Learn documentation. GitHub is a platform that allows you to collaborate with other developers and share your code and content with the world. You will learn how to:

  • Use the Documentation as Code approach to write, edit, and publish your content in GitHub.
  • Explore the open-source repositories of Microsoft Learn and see how you can contribute to them.
  • Follow the GitHub workflow to create, review, and merge your changes.
  • Use GitHub issues and PRs to communicate with the Microsoft Learn team and get feedback on your contributions.
  • Apply the Microsoft Learn tips and tricks to create engaging and effective content for your audience.
  • Use the Markdown tooling for Learn to format your content and add interactive features.

I hope you’ll join me there and attend my session on Friday, November 10th!