Simple request for Visual Studio's Find and Replace operation
Doing a Find + Replace operation in VS, I could wish there was an option, when selecting to do so over the whole project or solution, to choose which types of files to include or exclude. For example, in a classic Web Forms project, I'd like to omit the designer pages. I've been caught out by this ore than once ... :( (More fool I...)Visualize Workflows and Architecture with Mermaid Charts in Visual Studio 2026
Modern software systems are more complex than ever. Microservices talk to APIs. Background workers process queues. Frontend apps interact with authentication layers, caching services, and databases. In the middle of all this complexity, one thing becomes absolutely critical: clear visualization. With Visual Studio 2026, developers no longer need third-party plugins to visualize workflows and architecture. Visual Studio 2026 renders Mermaid charts directly in the editor — no extensions required. You can write Mermaid syntax yourself or let GitHub Copilot generate it for you. Flowcharts, sequence diagrams, and other visualizations render inline, keeping documentation inside your development workflow. This is more than just a convenience feature. It’s a shift in how developers document, collaborate, and communicate system design. https://dellenny.com/visualize-workflows-and-architecture-with-mermaid-charts-in-visual-studio-2026/The Evolution of Conversational AI in Microsoft’s Ecosystem
Over the past two decades, conversational AI has shifted from a futuristic curiosity to a core part of how we interact with technology. And while many companies have shaped this field, one of the most influential players has consistently been Microsoft. From the early days of clippy (yes, that Clippy) to the cutting-edge Copilot ecosystem today, Microsoft’s journey mirrors the broader evolution of conversational AI itself. It’s a story of ambition, experimentation, setbacks, breakthroughs, and ultimately, transformation. In this blog, we’ll explore how conversational AI has developed within Microsoft’s ecosystem—how it started, the key milestones along the way, and where it’s all heading next. https://dellenny.com/the-evolution-of-conversational-ai-in-microsofts-ecosystem/GitHub Copilot for Python: Real-World Coding Scenarios & Practical Examples
When GitHub Copilot first launched, many developers wondered whether an AI pair-programmer could truly make an impact on everyday coding tasks. Today, after widespread adoption, the verdict is clear: Copilot can significantly boost productivity, reduce repetitive work, and help developers focus on high-level thinking. This is especially true for Python developers, who frequently deal with tasks ranging from data processing to API integration, automation, and web development. In this blog, we’ll explore real-world Python scenarios where GitHub Copilot shines. Whether you’re a beginner experimenting with your first scripts or a seasoned engineer working on large systems, Copilot can help streamline your workflow in ways that feel surprisingly human. https://dellenny.com/github-copilot-for-python-real-world-coding-scenarios-practical-examples/Security and Compliance Considerations When Using Copilot in Enterprise Environments
We see these new AI tools, like Copilot, helping us do work faster, write better emails, and summarize long documents. It’s like having a super-smart assistant right next to you. But for people who look after company rules, like the security and compliance teams, a new tool also means new questions. We need to be sure that while Copilot helps us be fast, it does not accidentally share our company’s secrets or break any important laws about data. This is what we call security and compliance—it’s about keeping our digital house safe and following the rules. In this blog, I want to talk about the important things we must think about when we bring a powerful tool like Copilot into our enterprise environment. It’s not just about turning it on; it’s about making sure we set it up in a smart and safe way. https://dellenny.com/security-and-compliance-considerations-when-using-copilot-in-enterprise-environments/Turbocharge Your Coding Top GitHub Copilot Shortcuts and Productivity Tips for VS Code
GitHub Copilot isn’t just a fancy autocomplete; it’s a true AI pair programmer that can fundamentally change how you write code. But like any powerful tool, mastering it requires knowing the hidden tricks and, most importantly, the keyboard shortcuts that keep your hands on the keys and your focus in the flow. If you’re using VS Code, you’ve got the ideal setup. Let’s dive deep into the must-know shortcuts and best practices to transform you from a Copilot novice into a speedy! https://dellenny.com/turbocharge-your-coding-top-github-copilot-shortcuts-and-productivity-tips-for-vs-code/Your Guide to Debugging and Reviewing Copilot-Generated Code
The rise of AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot has been a game-changer. It’s like having a hyper-efficient, incredibly well-read junior developer peering over your shoulder, offering code snippets and completing functions almost as fast as you can think. This boost in productivity is phenomenal—until a tricky bug crawls into a piece of AI-generated code, or a security vulnerability lurks undetected. The truth is, while Copilot is an amazing accelerator, it is not a replacement for a developer’s critical thinking and review process. AI-generated code, for all its brilliance, is still code written by an engine trained on massive datasets, including the good, the bad, and the slightly outdated. You, the human developer, are the crucial “Human-in-the-Loop”—the final guardian of code quality, security, and logic. This blog post is your essential guide to navigating this new landscape. We’ll lay out the best practices for debugging and reviewing code generated by your AI partner, ensuring you leverage its speed without compromising on quality or security. https://dellenny.com/your-guide-to-debugging-and-reviewing-copilot-generated-code/Prompt Engineering for Developers Getting the Best Out of Copilot
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the way we code. GitHub Copilot, powered by OpenAI’s models, has become a game-changer for developers, offering real-time code suggestions, generating boilerplate code, and even helping solve complex problems. But like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how you use it. Enter prompt engineering—the art of crafting instructions that get the most accurate and useful results from AI. In this blog, we’ll explore how developers can master prompt engineering to get the best out of Copilot, maximize productivity, and improve code quality. https://dellenny.com/prompt-engineering-for-developers-getting-the-best-out-of-copilot/
