.NET
Validate your dependencies correctly in .NET (via Nick Chapsas)
Nick demonstrates an example of a runtime exception being thrown because a dependency wasn’t registered in the DI container. He then uses some interesting setup to get access to an in-memory HTTP client so that he can access the DI container during the “build” phase of the client. From there, he asserts that various instances are indeed registered. It was interesting to see how this was done, but it seems pretty advanced and feels more like you’re testing whether plumbing exists vs whether water comes out of the tap.
Settling the Biggest Await Async Debate in .NET (via Nick Chapsas)
There are two schools: (1) forward methods, where you return a Task, and (2) async methods that return an awaited method. In terms of compute and memory usage, forward methods are preferred because they don’t require a state machine to handle the await part. However, if your async code involves as using block or can throw an exception, (1) the method may return and dispose of things before the async call inside finishes, (2) and the stack trace shows that the exception was thrown in the state machine rather than the actual method.
Career
What’s Holding Back Your Career Development? (via HBR)
This article has tangible advice to help people decide how to develop based on how they are stuck. Four common development challenges: (1) when — I’ll do it when I have the time, (2) who — no one is helping me develop, (3) what — I don’t know what to develop in, (4) where — my workplace doesn’t have development opportunities.
Communication
When a Tough Question Puts You on the Spot (via HBR)
- Prepare in advance. Look at the agenda and anticipate questions. Ask peers to identify questions.
- Pause and breathe. Don’t fumble — clarity is how to build trust. Breathe in through your nose or take a sip of water; these things keep you from talking.
- Express empathy and honesty. “That is a critical question; thank you for asking.”
- Acknowledge the uncertainty. “Here’s what we know so far…” Also, “I don’t know” is acceptable.
- If you need to take a stand, PREP. (P) State one main point, (R) provide a reason behind it, (E) give an example that supports your point, and (P) re-state your main point.
Managing yourself
How to Get Better at Asking for Help at Work (via HBR)
- Identify the limiting beliefs and assumptions that are holding you back.
- Reflect on the source of your limiting beliefs.
- Try small experiments.
- Share with others.
- Create opportunities for practice, structure, and accountability.
- Step back and reflect regularly.