ASP.NET MVC3 as seen from a webforms guy

Speaker - David Green (Web Track)

Abstract -An introduction to the ASP.NET MVC 3 framework from the perspective of a traditional web forms developer. This presentation will be very light on Powerpoint slides but heavy on the coding side; we'll step through building a simple blog application from scratch in MVC 3. As part of this presentation we'll explore using SQL Server CE 4 for a back-end data store, Entity Framework 4 (Code First) for our data access strategy and the Razor view engine as our UI template syntax.

Behavior Driven Development in .NET

Speaker - Brady Gaster (Craftsmanship Track)

Abstract -Behavior Driven Development draws some inspiration from Test Driven Development. Given some recent tooling contributed both by corporations and open source developers, BDD has gained ground as a viable methodology and is fast becoming one of the more promising approaches in the Agile toolbox. This presentation will take a look at some of these tools and techniques, and will provide some guidance in the form of a few pragmatic examples in how BDD can simplify your development process, especially when it is rich with unit testing adoption. SpecsFor, an open-source BDD framework, will be demonstrated as an augment to your unit testing methodology. To see a commercial option for BDD-based testing, SpecPlus will also be introduced and demonstrated. NDecision, a BDD business rule processor that makes use of PostSharp’s AOP functionality, will be demonstrated as a means of applying BDD principles during application execution. At the close of the presentation, developers will have a variety of options – and hopefully some inspiration – to take back to their desk and use right away.

Building a Windows Phone 7 App using JSON/ASP.NET MVC Data Service Layer

Speaker - Matthew Duffied (Mobile Track)

Abstract -We will take a look at leveraging ASP.NET MVC and JSON to become your best friend from the point of data serialization. Want to build a simple WP7 application? Want a simple way to pass data back and forth from the server? JSON seems to be the obvious choice when developing web applications, how does it work when developing WP7 applications?

Building mobile applications using HTML5

Speaker - Imran Qureshi (Mobile Track)

Abstract - This session will cover how you can use your existing HTML knowledge to build HTML5 applications that work like native applications on iPhone, Android, iPad, Windows Phone and also work in the browser on Windows and Macs using the same code.  This will also cover using client-side databinding to simplify your javascript code.

Building REST Services using the Web API

Speaker - Steven Suing (Web Track)

Abstract - Will discuss concepts on REST and what make service RESTful or not. Will construct a small REST based system using the web api from here http://wcf.codeplex.com

Code Contracts

Speaker - Lukasz Nosol (Craftsmanship Track)

Abstract - Details and examples of .Net Code Contracts (http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/projects/contracts/)

Dependency Injection and Inversion of Control from Concept to Code

Speaker - John Blumenauer (Craftsmanship Track)

Abstract - You’ve probably heard about or are already using Inversion of Control and Dependency Injection. But how does it improve software quality and productivity? What are the choices among the frameworks available? In this session, we’ll gain a basic understanding of inversion of control and dependency injection, take a look at the various techniques of dependency injection and container configuration and then examine a few popular dependency injection frameworks. In the second half of the session, we’ll utilize dependency injection for unit testing, use dependency injection to create extensible applications and setup an ASP.NET MVC 3 project for dependency injection.

Design resources for Developers (making yourself a deseloper or devigner)

Speaker - Steve Bodnar (General Track)

Abstract - There was a lot of conversation a year or two ago about how many web programmers ended up being responsible for the “design” of web sites even though they had no perceptible design skills – even by their own standards. This session is geared towards the developer that could use a little help making sites look and work better. We’ll look at resources for creating, stealing, buying and editing aesthetically pleasing websites and color schemes. We’ll discuss how CSS can be used to create sites that can be easily and properly displayed on desktops, mobile devices and printers. We’ll explore the developer tools built into modern browsers that allow us to analyze and tweak cosmetic issues. Additionally, we’ll look at some jQuery Plugins that can give our sites unbelievably professional features with remarkably little effort. We’ll wrap up by looking at resources for User Interface and User Experience patterns and resources that can b e used to not only make your site better looking, but easier to use.

Hash-Bangs Are Not (Always) Evil

Speaker - Ian Cillay (Web Track)

Abstract - AJAX brought us the performance and user experience benefits of refreshing content without requesting a new page.  Yet the enticing prospect of building entire web applications as a single-page interface has been largely hindered by SEO, browser history, and accessibility requirements.  Hash-based URLs have moved from the category of a hacky workaround into the realm of a solid scheme supported by robust client-side frameworks, browsers, and organizations like the W3C and Google (URL Fragments), and even Microsoft (AJAX Navigation).

Implementing Uploads with jQuery and the HTML5 File API

Speaker - Norah Smith (Web Track)

Abstract - The new File API in the HTML5 spec allows a great deal more control and flexibility when working with files using JavaScript. In conjunction with jQuery, it is possible to create a rich user experience that would have previously required third party plugins. This talk will detail a workable File API upload strategy and supporting UI, as well as common pitfalls when working with common browsers.

Killer Listboxes with Expression Blend

Speaker - (Metro/WinRT/XAML Track)

Abstract - Listboxes are extremely powerful and flexible XAML elements.  The Listbox includes several templates and styles that can make it confusing to style.  In this session we'll dig deep into the various options for styling and templating a Listbox using Expression Blend.  We'll also discuss the PathListbox control introduced in Silverlight 4.

Knockout JS -- Building Dynamic JavaScript UI's using the Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) Pattern

Speaker - Kevin hennessy (Web Track)

Abstract - Knockout is a JavaScript library that is useful for creating rich, dynamic UI’s using the Model-View-View Model (MVVM) pattern. This session will provide a beginner’s introduction to Knockout. We’ll first use the tutorials available on learn.knockoutjs.com to walk through the basics. Then, we’ll look at another one of the tutorials that shows a single page application built using Knockout’s support for #hash-based navigation. Finally, if time permits, we’ll extend one of the tutorials to add support for data access using ASP.NET MVC and the Entity Framework. With the newness of Knockout, this will be an exploratory (and not an expert) session and we won’t have answers to all the questions that may arise. So if you have had some exposure to Knockout, we welcome your participating and sharing your experiences, so that we can build our community’s knowledge of this exciting, new addition to the web developer’s toolbox.

Lighting up your Metro App with Contracts

Speaker - Derik Whittaker (Metro/WinRT/XAML Track)

Abstract - When building Windows 8 Metro applications you now have the ability to hook your app into the OS ecosystem to perform many tasks.  These tasks will enable your application do share data with other apps and to appear to be integrated directly into the OS.  We will walk though how to enable your Metro Application to use the various Contracts which are exposed by Metro to allow for integration into the OS.

Making Money on Windows Phone, and a look at Mango

Speaker - Brian Hitney (Mobile Track)

Abstract - In this session, we'll take a look at a few tips and tricks at creating and monetizing a Windows Phone app, using the marketplace and advertising features.  You don't need to create the next Angry Birds, either.  Also, since Windows Phone Mango is rolling out, we'll look at a few new features for the phone.

Microsoft BUILD Overview

Speaker - Jim Duffy (Metro/WinRT/XAML Track)

Abstract -  

Mobile Web App support in MVC4

Speaker - Chip Burris (Mobile Track)

Abstract - The MVC 4 Developers preview is out. With it Microsoft is showing their commitment to mobile web application development using the MVC Pattern.
MVC 4 has a feature that allows routing from a single {controller}/{action} to a desktop or mobile view. We will explore this features behaviors . Then extend it to detect different mobile device types such as tablets and render an appropriate view.

MonoTouch - .NET Development for the iPhone

Speaker - Eric W. Greene (Mobile Track)

Abstract - With the surge of mobile devices quickly replacing existing notebooks and desktops the ability to develop mobile applications is becoming increasingly important.  The session will focus on leveraging our current .NET development skills to develop apps for the iPhone using the MonoTouch tool set.  In the session we will review the tools required to do .NET development for the iPhone as well as build a sample app which highlights important features in the MonoTouch tool set.

Parallel Computing Support in .NET

Speaker - Clay Burch (General Track)

Abstract -A high level discussion of the support for Parallel Computing in .NET. The talk will focus on the Tasks namespace and PLINQ support. There will be numerous code samples that illustrate the APIs, and also highlight some potential pitfalls such as GC throttling and false sharing.

Remedial LINQ

Speaker - Diane Wilson (General Track)

Abstract - Fill in the gaps in your LINQ knowledge, from basic functionality to performance, lambdas, and the finer points of IEnumerable versus IQueryable.

Secrets of a .NET Ninja

Speaker - Chris Eargle (General Track)

Abstract - In my years developing C# applications, I have seen techniques both good and bad. I will demonstrate those that are good, rant against those that are bad, and reveal those unknown to many.  Whether a novice or a seasoned coder, you will find something useful, or perhaps even wicked, that you can do with C# and the .NET Framework.

T4 Code Generation

Speaker - David Elliot (General Track)

Abstract - A look at generating code and data files using T4 technology and the T4 Toolbox.

The Legend of Lambda

Speaker - Chris Eargle (General Track)

Abstract - Lambda expressions are a powerful feature of C#, one that can be wielded for good or evil. Attend this session for an adventure through the evolution of the C# language, from the depths of the delegate keyword to the expressiveness of the lambda expression. I will show you how anyone can easily learn to wield and empower code with lambda expressions. It's dangerous to go alone! Take this: =>.

Tuning Your SQL Code

Speaker - (General Track) Abstract -YYYY

Unit testing your voice activated toaster

Speaker - James Dixon (Coolness Track)

Abstract - In this session, we will investigate how to voice-activate a toaster using Phidgets and Visual Studio 2010.  Then, we will explore how unit testing makes our code more extendable and maintainable.  Finally, we will dig into mocking so we can test our code even when we don't have a toaster handy.  This session assume no prior expereince with unit testing.

Unleash your code-fu with code katas

Speaker - Perry Neal (Craftsmanship Track)

Abstract - We've all heard that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to master" a skill.  What they neglect to mention is that it takes 10

Using jQuery UI and Plugins to Make your Sites Look and Work Better

Speaker - Steve Bodnar (Web Track)

Abstract - This session will drill into jQuery UI, a library built on top of jQuery that includes widgets, effects and mouse interactions that allow web developers to implement sophisticated features like themable controls, animations, and advanced interactions such as drag and drop. We'll look at several examples of jQuery UI such as content sliders, content rotators, themes and the ThemeRoller, Accordions, Modal Windows and much more. We’ll start with a very quick intro to jQuery itself. Then cover different options for wiring your website with jQuery and jQuery UI. We’ll take a whirlwind tour of all that is jQuery UI and then spend some time drilling deeper into a few examples. We'll then take a look at what jQuery Plugins have to offer to really kick your website up another notch. This session will also provide a variety of resources for working on your own with jQuery and jQuery UI as well as some resources for User Interface and User Experience design. This session requires no previous knowledge of jQuery or JavaScript.

Why None Of Us Are As Good As We Think We Are And What To Do About It: Lessons From Dreyfus and Dunning-Kruger

Speaker - Alan Stevens (General Track)

Abstract - What is expertise? How do we tell who has it? How do we gain it? Why doesn't everyone get better with experience? These are the questions we will examine in this session. Along the way, we'll discuss writing COBOL in any language, Tiger Woods, mastery, comfort zones, the Zen of fast horses and why it takes ten thousand hours to become an expert. Join us as we take a big picture view of what it takes to get from where you are to where you want to be in your technical expertise.

What Happened at Build?

Speaker - Jim Duffy (Metro/WinRT/XAML Track)

Abstract -At the Microsoft Build event in September Microsoft unveiled the future development direction for Windows 8 and its plans for entry into the tablet market with its Metro user interface. There were a couple pieces of very good news that came out of the conference. One is that Microsoft has a very compelling entry in the table market. The second is that you're going to be able to leverage your existing .NET skills to develop Metro apps since they can be built with either XAML & C#/VB.NET/C++ or with HTML5 & Javascript. This session will provide you an overview of what is coming down the road in Windows 8 and Metro app development. It will lay the groundwork for the Rob Zelt's "WinRT - What Art Thou? A Developers look at Windows 8" session Derik Whittaker's "Lighting up your Metro App with Contracts" session.

WinRT - What Art Thou? A Developers look at Windows 8

Speaker - Rob Zelt (Metro/WinRT/XAML Track)

Abstract - Windows 8 introduces Metro Style" applications build in Javascript, C++ or C#/VB.Net. At the core of this is WinRT the Windows Runtime providing access to hundreds of Windows APIs. This session will provide an overview of what's new and try to help put what it all means into perspective.