Running .NET Apps on iPhone

I missed it somehow, but Novell released MonoTouch (current release is v.1.1.1) , which gives the developers the opportunity to develop iPhone applications using C# and their favorite .NET Framework classes.
Actually, we talk here about static native code generation ( there is no CLR implementation).
It is based on Mono's feature called Full AOT (Ahead of Time Compilation)

MonoTouch supports garbage collection, multi-threading, and many features of .NET 3.5, including C# 3.0 and LINQ, with some exceptions due to the security system in the device. See Limitations for more information about the limitations of MonoTouch.

The following .NET assemblies are part of MonoTouch 1.0:

• mscorlib.dll
• System.dll
• System.Core.dll
• System.Xml.dll
• System.Xml.Linq.dll

MonoTouch supports BCL, WebServices, Linq and even limited WCF functionality.
There are number of limitations . The main reason is the static code generation process. There is no direct debugging experience and generics support is limited - read more about limitations


Checkout this screencast for a quick Hello World feel. (via www.codesnack.com)

It sound very promising ... just need $400/$1000, Mac, and iPhone Developer Program membership to get hands durty.

Game developers may check out Unity for another C# to XCode compiler. However Unity is dedicated to game development

Links
MonoTouch web site
Limitations of MonoTouch
Debugging support in MonoTouch
Editions and Pricing
Getting started screencast
Full AOT (Ahead of Time Compilation)
Unity web site

iPhone vs Stone

Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Property Owner is not available for Database xxxxx

I restored a backup over a fresh MS SQl 2005 instance recently.
I tried to open the properties dialog from the Management Studio/Object Explorer for the restored database and got the following message

Property Owner is not available for Database 'db_name'. This property may not exist for this object, or may not be retrievable due to insufficient access rights. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo)

Fortunately, I solved my problem by executing the following query against the restored database:

sp_changedbowner sa

Microsoft Days 2009 pictorial

This is the last day of Microsoft Days 2009 (Sofia) . I really had a great time during the last 2 days(Dev tracks). There were many great sessions and excellent opportunities for social networking.
The Microsft Surface was the real hit! Only one "big" organizational issue- there was no coffie available after lunch (again), which leads to a massive after-lunch nap effect , despite of the presenters efforts to hold the audience focused. Anyway this was a great event, again!

SOA is great

I just found some funny "Chuck Norris style" thoughts on SOA (Service Oriented Architecture). Check them out:

• SOA is so great 10 facts aren’t enough.
• SOA is the only thing Chuck Norris can’t kill.
• The first rule of SOA is you do not talk about SOA.
• SOA in a Nutshell is 7,351 pages spread over 10 volumes.
• SOA is not complex. You are just dumb.
• Guns don’t kill people, the SOA WS-* stack kills people.
• SOA can write and compile itself.
• SOA is the mistress to all CIOs.
• SOA is just one letter away from SOB. On purpose.
• If a tree falls in the forest, SOA knows about it.
• SOA is being used in the developing world to solve hunger. Entire populations will be fed on future business value.
• SOA knows what you did last summer, and is disappointed that it wasn’t SOA.
• SOA violates the first and third laws of thermodynamics.But not the second, as all energy flows from SOA.
• SOA is the secret ingredient that makes the colonel’s chicken so tasty.
• Neo didn’t bring down the Matrix. SOA did.
• SOA actually stands for Same Old Architecture - whatever your old architecture is.
• It has been said that an infinite number of monkeys pressing their buttocks against keyboards for an infinite amount of time will eventually produce the complete works of William Shakespeare. 100 monkeys typing for 10 hours will eventually produce a SOA project plan
• With enough SOA in a room, you don’t even NEED developers.
• Nothing gets between me and my SOA - except more SOA.

via Zeesjan's Integration Bits

Microsoft Days 2009

Microsoft Days 2009 will be held on 14-15 April and 16-17 April in Sofia,Bulgaria
I will have 2 sessions in the DEV track:

- Developing mobile applications with Compact Framework 3.5 and Windows Mobile (17.April.2009, 9:00h)
This session will cover the latest tools and products part of the Microsoft mobile development platform

- Windows Azure Storage Services(16.April.2009, 14:45h)
We will talk about the latest hot technology announcement from Microsoft - Windows Azure. We will focus on the varoius facilities intended to give the developer the power to work with data in the cloud

Go to Mcirosoft Days 2009 Registration Web Site

Windows Mobile and .NET Compact Framework Resources

 

 

I’ve collected a short list of resources dedicated to Windows Mobile and .NET Compact Framework Development.
These resources are intended to give more details on the topics covered by the SpecTECHular Days 2009 sessions dedicated to the Windows Mobile Development

Getting Started
Getting started with Windows Mobile 6
Learn Windows Mobile
Windows Mobile Class Library
Windows Mobile Downloads

User Interface
Design Guidelines
Developing User Interface Components
Screen Orientation Modes

Connectivity and communication
Connectivity and communication

Consuming data
Working with Data
Enterprise Data Access with the Microsoft .NET Compact Framework
Data transfer options between mobile devices and Desktop with Compact Framework
Database Development for Windows Powered Pocket PC Phone Edition
Step by Step: Developing a SQL Mobile Application with Visual Studio 2005 and SQL Server 2005
Step by Step: Program Microsoft SQL Server CE 2.0 Merge Replication Using .NET Compact Framework
A Technical Comparison of Replication and Remote Data Access Features in SQL Server 2005 Mobile Edition 3.0
Create Compact, Robust Mobile Apps with SQL Server CE 2.0 and the .NET Compact Framework
The Desktop Side of Mobile Computing (RAPI)
SQL Server Compact Books Online Home Page

Performance
.NET Compact Framework 2.0 Data Access Performance
.NET Compact Framework 2.0 Performance and Reflection
Performance Related Resources on my blog
Compact Framework Performance Hints

Security
Understanding the Windows Mobile Security Model
Windows Mobile Security Features
Securing Communications with SSL and the .NET Compact Framework
Application and Network Authentication with the .NET Compact Framework
Step by Step: Understanding Windows Mobile Security Using the Device Security Manager

Deployment
Creating an Installer for Windows Mobile Applications
Packaging Windows Mobile Applications With CAB Wizard
Wceload Tool
Mobile2Market:The Microsoft Certification and Distribution Program for Windows Mobile Applications
Remote Device Configuration with the .NET Compact Framework

Architecture
Architecting Disconnected Mobile Applications Using a Service Oriented Architecture
Mobile Application Architecture Pocket Guide

Resources
Windows Mobile Developer Center
Windows Mobile Developer Wiki
Windows Mobile Hands on Labs
Windows Mobile Virtual Labs
Windows Mobile Team Blog
Windows Mobile Forums and Newsgroups

SpecTECHular Day 2009

 

I’m going to have a session dedicated to Visual Studio 2008 and Compact Framework 3.5 on 27.Feb.2009 during the SpecTECHular Day 2009.
27.Feb will be a day of the latest technologies by Microsoft, Cisco, IBM and Java and it is organized by New Horizons Bulgaria.
Details are available on the event’s page

If you are just starting with Compact Framework and Windows Mobile Development, it is the right session for you!
If you are CF geek  - just step by and say hi. 

See you there!

Links

SpecTECHular Day 2009
New Horizons Bulgaria

Windows 7 gadgets disappear if UAC is disabled

I’ve upgraded my notebook to Windows 7 Beta ( build 7000), recently.
My experience is mostly positive ‘cause there are no crashes, hangs or blue screens, so far. I’m actually excited about the new UI and the overall stability and performance of the system.
The installation was smooth and quite fast. Windows 7 managed to recognize almost all the hardware(Lenovo T61p), except the Biometric device. There were also some problems with the audio driver, but I quickly solved them by installing the original Vista audio driver.
There is no application compatibility problem so far. I have my full development stack installed, already.

The new gadget system is good enough (I don’t like Vista’s Sidebar) , but there was a little problem. I disabled the User Access Control notifications and my gadgets disappeared. Well I needed some time to realize, that the UAC disabling is the reason.
I tried launching Gadget library – no luck again. So, I had a short google Q&A session and the solution appeared.
There were actually few solutions proposed by other community members. The one I liked the most ( works for me) is:

1. Open RegEdit

2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Sidebar\Settings

3. Find (or create ) AllowElevatedProcess and set AllowElevatedProcess= 1

4. Open the Start menu, write gadget and press ENTER to open the Desktop Gadget Library

Links:
Fix Gadgets Not Working or Showing When UAC Is Set To Not Notify or Disabled in Windows 7 Beta
Disable UAC in Windows 7 With Sidebar and Gadgets Working Properly

Community links

Following some interesting links from community members:

• Deploying 4000 devices using SCMDM 2008
  by Pavel Bánský
  
• Application Architecture Guide 2.0
  via Pavel Bánský
  
• NETCF: Improve Startup Performances ( via Alex Yakhnin's)
  by Raffaele 
  
• Mobile Application Architecture Pocket Guide
via Loke