.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 

Visual Studio 2022 .NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 

Visual Studio 2022 17.9 Preview 2 Released: Empowering Developers with Improved C++ #include Diagnostics and Build Insights

Visual Studio 2022.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
Visual Studio 2022
.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2

 

Microsoft has published Visual Studio 2022 17.9 Preview 2, the last release of 2023 development activities. This update expands on the framework laid down by Preview 1 in November. Preview 2 includes enhancements and new capabilities for C++,.NET MAUI, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and many more.

In C++, significant enhancements have been made to the #include Diagnostics. This improvement offers more robust functioning by allowing developers to see how frequently each #include directive appears in their code.

As previously stated, particular references may be investigated by clicking on the reference count at the top of the directive, and developers can travel to any reference by simply double-clicking. Furthermore, following Build Insights, this functionality extends to disclose the compilation time of #include directives, offering useful insights into the codebase.

Another notable enhancement is the Auto Surround with Quotes or Brackets tool, which improves productivity. Developers may now just use bracket delimiters, such as double quotes, single quotes, and parentheses, to encapsulate a selection. This functionality may be turned on or off in Visual Studio by going to Tools > Options > Text Editor.

The inclusion of the Live Property Explorer (LPE) improves the.NET MAUI development experience. This tool is meant to make development easier by allowing developers to see XAML properties during debugging. When combined with XAML Live Preview and Live Visual Tree, Live Property Explorer provides a good solution for debugging, performance optimization, and property examination.

To use the Live Property Explorer, developers must first debug their.NET MAUI app and then navigate to Debug > Windows > Live Property Explorer. The Live Property Explorer, once started, allows developers to explore and change properties in real time during runtime.

.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
(Live Property Explorer Usage; Visual Studio Release Notes as the source)

 

As previously announced, Visual Studio 2022 now supports remote Linux unit testing in response to customer input. This addition allows unit tests for C++ applications targeting Linux to be run in the Test Explorer on WSL or remote computers. Concerning the limits, it is claimed that there are some with certain dev container circumstances that will be solved by 17.9 Preview 3.

.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
(Use of Remote Linux Unit Testing; Source: Blog Post Announcement for Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2)

 

Other notable changes in this edition include SQL/SSDT enhancements, such as the elimination of the red warning symbol for Username in ADDefaultAuthentication. In addition, three new authentication types have been created to conform to Subsystem standards: ActiveDirectoryManagedIdentity, ActiveDirectoryServicePrincipal, and ActiveDirectoryDefault. This domain has also received normal bug repairs and performance enhancements.

Visual Studio Enterprise and Professional subscribers will now notice a new Benefit Awareness Diamond symbol in the top right corner of the Visual Studio IDE, close to the identity picker. As previously stated, this feature is intended to enable simple access to information regarding included advantages and to permit future upgrades for paying users.

In terms of productivity, the Git Repository Window, branch and tag labels now resize dynamically for enhanced visibility in the Git graph, providing developers with a more user-friendly experience.

Finally, changes to the Microsoft Teams Toolkit now include support for specifying the dotnet framework version in toolkit templates. Furthermore, toolkit templates provide preview and debug features for Outlook and Office.com, further enhancing the toolkit’s capabilities and compatibility.

.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
.NET MAUI, C++, Remote Linux Unit Testing, Teams Toolkit, and More in Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 
(Developing a new Teams application using the dotnet framework; Visual Studio Release Notes)

 

Microsoft and the development team urge customers to submit feedback and share proposals for new features and enhancements, underlining their commitment to improving the Visual Studio experience on a continuous basis.

Finally, developers who want to learn more about this and other Visual Studio releases may read the release notes about additional improvements, modifications, and new features in the Visual Studio 2022 IDE.

FAQ for Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2

General

Q: What is the purpose of Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2?

A: Visual Studio 17.9 Preview 2 is a pre-release version of the forthcoming Visual Studio update that includes updates and new capabilities for C++,.NET MAUI, remote Linux testing, Teams Toolkit, and other areas.

Q: What’s new in this version?

A:

  • Key characteristics include:
  1. #include C++ Diagnostics
  2. Quotes or Brackets for Auto Surround
  3. MAUI Live Property Explorer for.NET
  4. C++ Remote Unit Testing on Linux
  5. SQL/SSDT enhancements
  6. Visual Studio Enterprise/Professional Advantage Awareness Diamond
  7. Git Repository Window with Responsive Ref Labels
  8. Enhancements to the Teams Toolkit

Q: When will Visual Studio 17.9’s final version be available?

A: The precise date has not yet been revealed, although it is believed to be in the first half of 2024.

C++ Advantages

Q: What changes have been made to include Diagnostics?

A: For enhanced code understanding, you can now view the frequency of each #include directive, investigate particular references, and see the compilation time of directives.

Q: How can I turn on/off Auto Surround with Quotes or Brackets?

A: Check or uncheck the “Automatically surround selections when typing quotes or brackets” option under Tools > Options > Text Editor.

Features of.NET MAUI

Q: What exactly is Live Property Explorer, and how can I make use of it?

A: During debugging, you may explore XAML properties using Live Property Explorer. Debug your.NET MAUI program and navigate to Debug > Windows > Live Property Explorer.

Q: Can I use Live Property Explorer in conjunction with other tools?

A: Yes, for debugging, performance optimization, and property analysis, it works well with XAML Live Preview and Live Visual Tree.

Linux Unit Testing from a Remote Location

Q: What are the drawbacks to remote Linux unit testing?

A: Certain dev container scenarios have some constraints, which will be addressed in Preview 3.

Q: On Linux, how can I run unit tests for C++ projects?

A; Use Visual Studio’s Test Explorer to target your tests for execution on WSL or remote computers.

Additional Features and Upgrades

Q: Which new authentication types are available in SQL/SSDT?

A: The red warning for the username in ADDefaultAuthentication is replaced by ActiveDirectoryManagedIdentity, ActiveDirectoryServicePrincipal, and ActiveDirectoryDefault, all of which comply with Subsystem requirements.

Q: Why would someone want a Benefit Awareness Diamond?

A: Through this symbol, Visual Studio Enterprise/Professional members may view details about included features and sign up for future upgrades.

Q: What has the Teams Toolkit added recently?

A: Enjoy enhanced features and compatibility, preview and debug Outlook and Office.com apps, and choose the dotnet framework version in templates.

NASA Teams Get Ready to Assemble the Moon Rocket-to-Spacecraft Connector

NASA-NASA Teams Get Ready to Assemble the Moon Rocket-to-Spacecraft Connector

Progressing with the Artemis II Mission: Crucial Readiness for NASA’s Super-Heavy Lift SLS Rocket Elements

NASA Teams Get Ready to Assemble the Moon Rocket to Spacecraft Connector
NASA Teams Get Ready to Assemble the Moon Rocket to Spacecraft Connector
image credit : NASA

Final preparations are being made for the super-heavy lift Space Launch System rocket components for NASA’s Artemis II mission. The rockets will be shipped to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in 2024 for stacking and pre-launch procedures.

In order to prepare for the installation of its diaphragm, teams at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, recently rotated the Orion stage adapter, a ring structure that joins NASA’s Orion spacecraft to the SLS rocket’s intermediate cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS). One of the last things the adapter has to be done before it can be shipped to Kennedy aboard NASA’s Super Guppy cargo plane is to be installed on November 30.

 

Lead for the Orion stage adapter at the Spacecraft/Payload Integration & Evolution Office for the SLS Program at Marshall, Brent Gaddes, described the diaphragm as a composite, dome-shaped structure that separates the volume above the ICPS from that below Orion. “It acts as a barrier between the two, preventing the Orion spacecraft and its crew from building up beneath the rocket’s propellant tanks before and during launch, which would release highly flammable hydrogen gas.”

The adapter, which stands five feet tall and weighs 1,800 pounds, is the smallest important component of the SLS rocket, which will generate over 8.8 million pounds of power to propel four Artemis astronauts into Orion and around the Moon. The Marshall engineering teams are responsible for producing the whole adapter.

Under Artemis, NASA is attempting to place the first woman and person of color on the moon. Along with commercial human landing systems, Orion, and the Gateway in lunar orbit make up NASA’s core for deep space exploration. SLS is a part of this. The only rocket capable of launching Orion, humans, and supplies all to the Moon at once is SLS.

NASA Artemis II Mission
NASA Artemis II Mission
IMAGE CREDIT : NASA

Inside the Artemis II Orion Stage Adapter: Looking Past the Diaphragm

Getting Ready for the Huge Lift: An important stage in the development of the Artemis II Orion stage adapter has been reached with the successful rotation and diaphragm installation. However, its importance goes beyond its outward design. This modest-looking ring is essential to Artemis II’s success in several ways.

  1.  A Safety Shield: The diaphragm serves as an essential barrier, protecting the Orion capsule and its crew from any possible hazards from hydrogen gas, as Brent Gaddes rightly noted. The astronauts are provided with a secure sanctuary throughout the crucial launch phase thanks to the robust composite construction that prevents leaks and breaches.
  2. A Bridge of Power: The adaptor actively directs the enormous force produced by the ICPS to move Orion closer to the Moon rather than only acting as a passive shield. The rocket’s design guarantees a smooth and strong launch by increasing efficiency through excellent energy transfer.
  3. A Symbol of Precision: NASA’s engineering expertise is evident in the adapter’s elaborate design and painstaking manufacturing. Each and every curve, bolt, and weld is carefully designed and performed to survive the immense forces encountered during spaceflight. It’s a precursor to upcoming deep-space travel as well as a monument to human ingenuity.
  4. A Stepping Stone to the Moon: Artemis II’s ultimate aim is to place the first woman and person of color on the moon, and the Orion stage adapter represents more than simply a piece of gear in the journey towards that goal. We are getting closer to this historic accomplishment with its successful assembly and integration, which heightens the enthusiasm and expectation for this enormous task.
  5. A Monument to Cooperation: The adapter’s invention is a brilliant illustration of cooperation and teamwork. To give this vital component life, engineers, technicians, and experts from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center have joined forces. Their commitment and knowledge are ingrained in the adaptor itself, pushing us closer to the moon.

We may better appreciate the adapter’s technological miracle and understand its place in the larger story of Artemis by exploring its importance. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly little details may have a significant impact on history, and the Orion stage adapter is a potent representation of human ambition and the constant quest of lunar exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions concerning the Orion Stage Adapter for Artemis II

Q: What is the stage adapter for Orion?

A: NASA’s Artemis II mission depends on the Orion stage adapter. This ring-shaped structure joins the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) to the Orion spacecraft.

Q: How does the diaphragm function?

A: Inside the adaptor lies a barrier fashioned like a dome called the diaphragm. It shields the Orion capsule and crew from very flammable hydrogen gas from the ICPS propellant tanks both before and during launch.

Q: Why is it vital to have an Orion stage adapter?

A: The adaptor is essential in several ways:

  • Safety: The crew is shielded from the risks of hydrogen gas leakage by the diaphragm.
  • Power transfer: Orion is propelled toward the Moon by the adapter, which directs the ICPS’s push.
  • Engineering marvel: Its complex construction and design highlight NASA’s engineering prowess.
  • Stepping stone to the Moon: We are getting closer to landing the first woman and person of color on the Moon thanks to the adapter’s successful assembly.
  • Symbol of cooperation: Its development demonstrates the commitment and teamwork of NASA’s experts and engineers.

Q:What is the adapter’s size?

A: The adaptor is around 1,800 pounds in weight and five feet tall. It is the SLS rocket’s smallest primary component.

Q:Who constructed the adapter?

A: The engineering teams at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, produced the Orion stage adapter in its entirety.

Q: What happens to the adapter next?

A: The adapter will be sent to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for stacking and pre-launch procedures in 2024 once the diaphragm is attached. After that, it will be mated with the Orion spacecraft and the rest of the SLS rocket to be ready for the historic Artemis II mission to the Moon.