.NET
The Easiest Way to Create PDFs in .NET (via Nick Chapsas)
- QuestPDF (open source library); has pricing models for sustainable open source
- It has a previewer, which you can install via dotnet tool install QuestPDF.Previewer –global.
- You can run your app via dotnet watch so you get hot reloads in the previewer.
- The video shows how to set up pages, deal with fonts, etc. with the library’s fluent syntax.
“Your Code Has a SQL Injection!” | Code Cop #007 (via Nick Chapsas)
- The video presents a solution about using parameterized strings for SQL queries rather than string concatenation. However, it doesn’t explain how this prevents injection attacks.
- Nick spent a great deal of time complaining that the example he chose cannot be exploited because the parameter is an integer rather than a string.
- Aside: He implied several times that the author doesn’t understand security, which may or may not be true.
- The solution is to parameterize your queries to prevent injection.
AI
AI is dangerous, but not for the reasons you think (via TED)
Many critics focus on the existential risks of AI, however there are three current risks that deserve attention: (1) the environmental impact, measured by the amount of energy to train and use these models, (2) infringing on copyrights, and (3) amplifying biased information.
Collaboration
Keep Your Team Motivated When a Project Goes Off the Rails (via HBR)
- Re-establish or re-define the project purpose, goals, and vision
- Involve the team in trouble-shooting and defining the path forward
- Help remove obstacles
- Understand what motivates different team members
- Connect regularly as a team
- Celebrate small wins and provide recognition
Communication
10 Ways to Prove You’re a Strategic Thinker (via HBR)
- Elevate your perspective
- Be forward-looking
- Anticipate potent impacts
- Connect the dots
- Simplify the complicated
- Use analogies and metaphors
- Stimulate strategic dialogue
- Show you are informed
- Practice strategic listening
- Seek feedback
Engagement
4 Fundamental Ways to Boost Employee Engagement (via HBR)
- Help your employees feel seen
- Help your employees feel heard
- Help your employees feel valued
- Help your employees feel encouraged
Prioritization
How to Juggle Priorities: Decide Which Balls Are Glass and Which Are Plastic (via Stacy Mullinax)
- Relationships: If I drop this ball will it break something in a relationship that matters to me?
- Consequences: If I drop this ball, can I live with the consequences?
- Decide which balls to drop for now
- Decide which balls to drop forever
Productivity
Productivity (via SWLW)
Although it’s 6 years old, this article was an interesting look into what one individual has found to make them productive. There are elements that resonate with me, such as doing something manually (even though it could be automated) to make me feel the friction. Many of these articles have a similar theme of focusing on sleep, some kind of movement, and making your environment help you be successful.