How To


Write Tests Before You Code

Use the Test-Driven Development methodology in Visual Studio Team System to write tests and improve the quality of your code.

Add Custom Colors to Your Forms

Make your Windows Forms apps shine with custom color palettes; pros and cons for creating apps with an Office 2007 look-and-feel; and drill down on anonymous methods in C# and VB .NET.

Drilldown on WSE 3.0

Take advantage of WSE 3.0 to set up Web service authentication with a username and password using only one server certificate.

Implement Custom Generic Collections

Take advantage of custom generic collections to manipulate data more easily in real-world applications.

Simplify Programmatic File Access

Access files in different locations using the same code, whether the files reside on a file server, a Web server, or an FTP server.

Update CF Apps Automatically

Simplify the administration and updating of Compact Framework applications by writing a Web service that facilitates checking for new files for a given app, as well as downloading and updating that app if a newer version exists.

Take Advantage of Continuous Integration

Compiling your applications frequently can help you save time, effort, and sleepless nights down the road. Learn how to implement this system using the open source tool, Draco.NET.

Roll Your Own Control Designers

It's not enough to build a great custom control to help your end users -- you must also help other developers use your control.

Enforce Password Complexity Policies

Build a component to accommodate changing requirements without having to recompile your code.

Build More Scalable Sites

Learn how to integrate ASP.NET's built-in security tools with the features of your existing site.

Validate Business Objects Declaratively

Take advantage of .NET attributes to provide robust validation for your business objects, while generating user-interface validation automatically.

Understand Variable Scoping and Definite Assignment

Learn how to scope your variables correctly, as well as the rules governing definite assignment in C#.

Simplify Web Development with Visual Studio 6.0

If you want to build the flashiest, most dynamic site possible and reach the largest possible audience, read on

Implement a File Transfer Web Service

Implement a Web service that performs a binary file transfer using Web Service Enhancements 3.0 and MTOM.

Test Drive VB9 and DLinq

The January 2006 Language Integrated Query (LINQ) preview for the next ("Orcas") version of Visual Basic enables automating SQL Server object-relational mapping for DLinq and enhances XLinq syntax for literal XML and late binding.

Write a Web-Based Unit Test

Take advantage of testing features in Visual Studio Team System for Software Testers to produce higher-quality Web applications.

Leverage Custom Controls

Learn the basic types of custom controls, as well as how to extend them. Also, learn how to take fuller advantage of drag-and-drop within your applications.

Write a Better Windows Service

Writing a Windows service is significantly more involved than many authors would have you believe. Here are the tools you need to create a Windows service robust enough for the real world.

Create Data-Bound Controls With ASP.NET 2.0

ASP.NET 2.0 lets you build a data-bound custom control that ensures your data is always displayed consistently.

Simplify Coding With Visualizers

Take advantage of visualizers in Visual Studio 2005 to make yourself more productive; also learn how to create your own custom visualizers.

Determine Performance Requirements

Take advantage of the Windows Management Interface to correctly gauge your application's performance requirements.

Use Google APIs in .NET

Learn everything you need to start using .NET Web services to access Google Web APIs in your application.

Create Extensible .NET Apps

Take advantage of plug-ins to create highly extensible and highly customizable Windows Forms applications that serve your users' needs better.

Tap the Power of Inherited WinForms

Mix inheritance and Windows Forms to solve recurring UI-related problems.

Manage Localization of .NET Apps

Learn how to localize your applications easily with this robust localization and resource-management tool.

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