Issue: 2017 - March/April

  • Melanie talks about the need for testing, editing, and otherwise closely examining your work before sending it out into the world.
  • Does the idea of using an app that’s never been tested give you the willies? It should, and Paul talks about finding the sticking points so you can be confident that your code works as intended before someone fires it up.
  • These days, you can’t target only one platform with your innovative apps. They have to look good on many types of devices and operating systems. Sahil looks at how Xamarin and Cordova translate into native apps and how you can use a combination to build even more versatile systems than ever before.
  • Your user group has some serious experts in it and it’s time to share the knowledge. If your group wants to host conferences, offer classes, or even go into business, you’ll want John’s advice about what you need to start the process.
  • You can access just about any data with type providers, whether in XML, JSON, or APIs. Rachel shows us how, plus a nifty new Swagger type provider.
  • If you’re looking for a way to computerize your home or add voice controls to your apps, you’re interested in what’s happening with Amazon Echo. Chris introduces you to some basic programming skills for the device and points the way to greatness.
  • Sticker packs and emojis are used by everyone from teenagers to developers. Jason shows you how these simple tools can be more than a basic form of communication.
  • Did you ever think you’d be programming apps without code? Mohammad show you how, using Apple’s iMessages framework, iOS 10, a little bit of Swift, and some Sticker Packs.
  • Jeffrey takes a look at the state of the industry and comes up with some interesting ways to measure efficiency and accuracy.
  • Today’s devs have to be nimble. Your app has to work on a multitude of platforms and meet any number of platform-specific demands. Mike explains how a new tool called Docker can help you deploy your apps on everything from Linux to .NET and leave you hardly breaking a sweat.
  • Ted takes a look at what skills are necessary to be a great manager.