Don’t worry Open Source Software Developers, You’re safe to read on this is for you too!
I think I’ll start this post with something near and dear to all Web Developers and Designers, jQuery. This amazing JavaScript framework is definitely something you’ve at least heard of, used once, or have fallen completely in love with. Microsoft originally started developing their own framework (known formerly as Atlas, and more recently as ASP.NET AJAX) until they noticed the community was still leaning more towards jQuery. Microsoft has since started to convert their existing ASP.NET AJAX tools to jQuery and have began to Contribute to the jQuery project. Recently it was announced that Microsoft has made their first contribution to the jQuery Framework, a Client-Side Template plug-in, jQuery Templates (currently in beta). Microsoft has also placed the scripts on their Content Delivery Network (CDN) which are available in both minified and non-minified versions.
Web Camps TV on Channel 9
This next little NuGet is a focused a tad bit more to the Microsoft Web Developer and Designers, but with coverage of how to use their jQuery Contributions it would be reckless to avoid mentioning it.
Web Camps TV which is one of the many shows on Channel 9 covers topics in the wide world of web development.
Channel 9 is the first stop for any developer on the Microsoft Stack to learn how to leverage new products or to see previews of products that are in the works (but publicly announced) and almost ready for release. Their slogan: “Seen First on Channel 9” re-enforces the fact that it is packed with rich, fresh content.
Recently Rey Bango [@ReyBango] (Community PM for JavaScript & HTML, formerly from Mozilla Corporation) was on Web Camps TV talking about our next topic. But First, I couldn’t resist posting his Mad Dancing Skills, so without further ado I present Rey Bango and the jQuery Dance…
Script Junkie
If you managed to avoid being mesmerized by Rey’s dance moves, you might have noticed the Website that is open on the TV in the background. Earlier this year Microsoft released an extremely resourceful website called Script Junkie.
Script Junkie provides cross-browser solution-based code examples for HTML, CSS and JavaScript. There is also a Gallery where it is possible to contribute an Article to the site or read articles from other community members that have contributed.
With contributors such as Christian Heilmann, Elijah Manor, Emily Lewis, Juriy Zaytsev and other industry notables, content is guaranteed to be timely and relevant. Not to mention, you’ll be learning the latest techniques from industry experts.
Microsoft Web Platform
To wrap up this post, there really is no other site to point out but the Microsoft Web Platform site. The Microsoft Web Platform is a very large encompassing body which includes Hosting (Servers), Technologies, Tools, Web Applications, Communities, Programs and Blogs. There are three main areas of the web platform in particular that I would like to call out.
The Programs
One of the biggest challenges when starting a business is the incredible cost of the tools you need to Develop software for your clients. Microsoft offers 2 programs which help to offset the cost of starting a business.
Website Spark
Website Spark gives Web designers and developers a jump-start by providing the tools and resources needed to build great websites with no upfront cost.
BizSpark
The Biz Spark program is designed to help accelerate the success of entrepreneurs and early-stage start-ups. The program provides fast and easy access to current, full-featured software development tools and platforms.
The Tools
I know what you’re thinking, ugh Microsoft tools are so expensive. Well put away your pocket books, these tools are free!
Express Tools
The express tools are “limited” versions of their full-featured counterparts. Don’t let the limited fool you, you still have access to a very useful features in each tool.
Visual Studio Web Express features include syntax highlighting, intellisense, refactoring tools and the ability to add extensions of many of the .NET family (Silverlight, Windows Azure, XNA Game Studios, etc.)
SQL Server 2008 R2 Express is a production ready database (limited to 10GB) which includes graphical management tools, reporting capabilities and support for spatial data.
Web Matrix
Web Matrix (currently in Beta 3) offers up a unique streamlined solution for Web Design, Development and Deployment.
Web Matrix includes a rich code editor that allows you to develop both ASP.NET and PHP applications, a webserver (IIS Express) for testing your creations locally, a database engine (SQL Server Compact) for creating or leveraging data driven websites or web applications.
Also included is a built-in publishing support for FTP, FTPS,and Web Deploy; an SEO tool which provides guidance on how to make your site more visible to search engines, as well as code helpers to alleviate common task like social media integration.
The Toolkits
Just as Web Matrix has some code helpers, Microsoft has a number of Web Application Toolkits to speed up the development process including Social Networking, Bing Maps, Bing Search, REST Services and Mobile Web Applications.
If you’re interested in Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) the Silverlight Toolkit offers up a new world of controls, components and utilities to add new functionality to an already stunning Platform.
Summary
There are many resources and tools in the Microsoft realm which may not be widely known, but they are here for you to leverage. Hopefully you have found a useful tool or website from this post which has enabled you to deliver a project quicker or with less pain. If you have any other resources that I haven’t outlined in this post, please leave a comment below to share your secret tool belt item.
