.NET
Await Async Might Change Completely in .NET 9 (via Nick Chapsas)
- Microsoft tried an experiment with .NET 8 on green threads that reads like synchronous code but is async behind the scenes.
- When async/await was first created, Microsoft was limited about what could be implemented because they couldn’t change the runtime based on how it shipped.
- The new concept is runtime handled tasks so that the state machines are not a compiler-generated code concept to being a runtime concept.
- Making things await-able has overhead (e.g., setting up the state machine behind the scenes).
- Although it’s early, the goal is to have better performance than the existing model.
“Stop Using Singletons in .NET!” | Code Cop #009 (via Nick Chapsas)
- With the dependency inversion container, you can register a class as a singleton. As long as you use the DI container — that is, not instantiating the class directly — you can achieve this behavior.
- The advantages of this pattern are that you save memory (only instantiate once), and you can guarantee you get the exact same instance which holds a known state.
- Imagine if you had caches that weren’t singletons; you’d have to know which cache to use.
- One of the downsides is singletons can be hard to test with.
AI
Is GenAI’s Impact on Productivity Overblown? (via HBR)
The major limitations for LLMs is plausible fabrication (the output is incorrect, but believable enough) and “model collapse” where the model is training itself on its own output (given there’s no second Internet to train on). The authors comment on some long-term things to be concerned with: (1) increased productivity but decreased reliability, (2) prejudice based on lack of certain kinds of training data — for example, languages of other cultures, (3) limitations in where LLMs can be used where trust is paramount.
Interpersonal Skills
How to Raise a Difficult Issue in a One-on-One with Your Boss (via HBR)
- Pick your battles wisely
- Practice your talking points
- Start with an upbeat mood and positive body language
- Demonstrate composure, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt
- Wrap up while maintaining momentum
When Your Boss Gives You a Totally Unrealistic Goal (via HBR)
- Understand the context — truly a stretch goal? boss doesn’t understand how day-to-day stuff works? pressure from above?
- Imagine possible solutions by shifting from “what” to “how”; ask other people for their perspectives
- Identify and document the challenges
- Manage expectations with your boss; be transparent and factual
- Consider unyielding objectives — note what you did achieve, surround yourself with social support, find out what happens if you don’t meet the target