Issue #30: Boosting your API Game, Supercharging Your React App & Choosing the Best Way to Work with .NET

Welcome to the fall season! ??

Well...almost for everyone, but for the sake of vibes, let's just say we're all looking at the sweaters in our wardrobes and getting used to the idea of being huddled inside sipping pumpkin spice lattes.

And while we're snug and warm, waiting to deploy, push code, code commit, let's also do some research and see what's happening on the .NET, JavaScript and Design fronts!

Let's check if the featured resources in this issue of the TechRel Hub Bi-Weekly might help your web, desktop or mobile development game!

To .NET & Beyond

Know the Differences Between Web Services and APIs ??

Web services or APIs? If you had to choose, do you know why you're choosing one over the other?

Just in case, let's ask Dennis Martinez when to use each to build robust, scalable, & efficient apps - he's written a very handy & detailed guide.

Mastering .NET MAUI Shell—Part 1 ??

We love a good series! And we love it even more when it's a .NET MAUI one!

Héctor Uriel Pérez Rojas has set his goals on educating everyone on mastering the use of Shell!

Shell is a feature included as part of .NET MAUI, which reduces the complexity of application development by providing fundamental features that any app requires.

Want to give your skills a little boost? Get started with Part 1 and keep your eyes on Telerik.com/blogs for Part 2!

Simplifying API Integration with Refit ??♀?

Did you know Refit can boost your API game by a mile? It's true!

Assis Zang ’s latest blog shows you how to slash boilerplate code & streamline your ASP.NET Core apps!

So, if you're looking for the scoop on Refit, JWT auth, & cleaner code, take the grand tour here.

Testing Blazor Components with bUnit ????

Today also happens to be a great day to get started with implementing interactive Blazor component tests & executing them in a blazingly fast way with bUnit (thanks to Egil Hansen )! And trust us - there's so much you can do with bUnit, this blog is scratching the surface.

Nonetheless, Claudio Bernasconi has completed his awesome experiment so if you want to see how to test those Blazor components with bUnit, take a look here.

JavaScript Trends

JSX vs. Template Syntax in Frameworks ??

Is JSX dominating as the default template syntax in React.js frameworks?

If so, how does it stack up against template syntax? Okay, before anyone has a mild panic attack, here's Jonathan Gamble's TL;DR:

JSX is not going anywhere and is currently winning by a long shot as the default template syntax. It also seems like some of the biggest problems with JSX won’t ever be fixed. However, React just made the workarounds the default, and many people don’t mind. Template Syntax can only win when the frameworks that support them get bigger adoption.

Okay, let's dive a little deeper into this and figure out how JSX is exactly winning over Template Syntax - all neatly covered in this blog.

Advanced Content Creation with MDX in Next.js 14

In case you missed this news, in one of the recent major releases, Next,js introduced an easy way of working with MDX. Good news for frontend devs near and far, right?

So let's check with Christian Nwamba on how to integrate Markdown with MDX in a modern Next.js application for that much wanted dynamic and interactive content.

But wait there's more! However, it's about Angular. So, let's also

Explore the New Zoneless Change Detection in Angular 18 ??

Zoneless change detection in Angular 18 promises a lot & sweetens the deal by helping you build highly performant & reactive Angular apps!

Christian has explored Zoneless change detection in detail so you can benefit from what it brings to the table as well.

Design Trends

UX Crash Course: Wireframing ??

Wireframes, what are they good for? A lot of things actually, like forcing us to think through how the UI will respond to user input—and capturing all of that information!

Once you have a storyboard, the next thing you need to do to start turning that idea into an actual, interactive piece of software is wireframing.

Wireframes are generally categorized as low, medium or high fidelity; a designer may choose to make multiple wireframes of different fidelities as the design and concept evolves, or they may just make one and move forward. Each fidelity type serves a slightly different purpose, but they all still take time and effort to make.

So, let's work on elevating your UI design skills with Kathryn Grayson Nanz 's UX Crash Course: Wireframing!

How to Create a Design System with ThemeBuilder ??

Creating consistent & visually cohesive UIs across platforms is no easy feat but a good design system can streamline your process & boost efficiency!

And good news is that ThemeBuilder (a small, shameless plug here) can help you build a flexible design system. Get to know how with Thomas Findlay 's handy guide.

Cool Things We Found Along the Way

Choosing the Right .NET Framework: It’s Like Picking Your Perfect Ride ???

Choosing the right .NET UI framework is not an easy feat - options galore and each offers different features, performance, and design. So, what are the needs of your application?

Let's help you decide which framework to pick with Cheyenne Sokkappa 's article on Mobilize.Net - is it going to be WPF, WinForms or WinUI? Or maybe ASP.NET Core? Why not Blazor? Or is it .NET MAUI? So many options indeed!

But let's figure out what's best for your business.

Performance Improvements in .NET 9 ?

Stephen Toub has written yet another exciting MASSIVE article tracking the latest performance improvements in .NET and more specifically .NET 9!

Before you settle down with your cup of tea or pumpkin latte for a thrill ride, make sure to enjoy Stephen's stabs at poetry (Hint: you can't scroll past them!)

Working with tar files in .NET 8 ??

Looking for a guide to working with tar files in .NET 8? Same!

So we found this great one by Andrew Lock that's going to cover everything you need to know.

Component testing in Storybook ????

Storybook ’s lead manager Michael Shilman is betting on Component Testing as the future of #UI testing. If you're wondering why, grab his article & catch him explain why he thinks it can perfectly complement end-to-end & unit tests.

Mastering SOLID Principles in React: Elevating Your Code Quality ???♀?

Applying SOLID principles can transform your React apps into robust, maintainable, & scalable masterpieces!

Doesn't that sound delightful?

Vishal Yadav has practical tips & code examples to elevate your development game right here.

That's it for this week!

We hope you pick the best .NET framework for your apps, supercharge your React app to unbeatable levels, get up to speed with the latest trends, comparisons and design systems and get ready to close this quarter strong!

Catch you next time!

- The TechRel Team ??