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Using TimeProvider and FakeTimeProvider in WinForms

Testing .NET code involving time has always been a pain, but the TimeProvider class (backported to the .NET Framework) gives us awesome new tools.

SSRS won't show the updated default value for a parameter

Changed the default value for a report parameter, but it's not actually updating in SSRS? That's by design. Let's find a way around it.

TGIF vol.1

I often come across articles, tutorials, videos, etc that I'd like to share, but in a short format without dedicating a whole post to each one. And so.. the inaugural TGIF post (when I've got enough to share, maybe weekly, maybe not). A long-distance Voyager update

How to use (and test) TimeProvider timers in .NET

Testing timers in C# is difficult, but .NET 8 (C# 12) adds an abstract TimeProvider class that makes it easier. Let's take a closer look.

How to use TimeProvider and FakeTimeProvider (time abstraction in .NET)

Testing time in C# is difficult, but .NET 8 (C# 12) adds an abstract TimeProvider class that makes it easier. Let's take a closer look.

Similar endpoints, swagger pages, and a DevOps fail

After an unexpected debugging session, some thoughts on APIs, similar endpoints, swagger, and an ugly DevOps fail.

Diligence, laziness.. or both?

Funny how a little due diligence mixes so well with a healthy interest in avoiding unnecessary future work.

A swirly mass of shared code

I heard a story recently, where a team was asked, after spending months adding a set of features to a codebase, to remove a specific feature from very early on in the project, right before the release date. Other features had been built around it and on top of it.

If/else vs switch/case pattern matching

A look at if/else, switch/case, pattern matching, other options ... and which is best. (spoiler: none ;) )

What are list patterns in C#?

C# has been getting a lot of pattern matching love in recent years, like with list patterns in C# 11. The problem is knowing where and how to use it.

Even in failure, an increase in understanding is a win

When what we're trying to accomplish fails, the extra knowledge and clarity we get just by making the attempt is a win all by itself.

What are generic attributes in C# 11?

Generic attributes increase the flexibility of a very early .NET feature. Let's try using them and see how it keeps our code DRY.

Simple ways to notify a user without a MessageBox in WinForms

When sending notifications in a WinForms app, a MessageBox is the only way to go... or is it? Let's get creative and see what else we might do.

How to call an async method from a synchronous one, without deadlocking

Writing async code whenever possible is great, but how do we do it when we're stuck with legacy (and very synchronous) code?