The Point of Visual Studio LightSwitch for a Developer

I recently purchased LightSwitch and began exploring it through various tutorials. My decision to invest in this tool was based on several key factors identified from marketing information and beta user testimonials. In this article, I aims to explain what Visual Studio LightSwitch is all about and why it might be of interest to developers looking to streamline application development processes.

The Evolving Landscape of .NET Technology

Firstly, as a developer who was deeply entrenched in Windows Forms and database development, I found myself falling behind with emerging .NET technologies such as LINQ, WCF, and Silverlight. Multithreading for multi-core processors was also something I hadn’t explored. This realization pushed me to seek out a tool that could bridge the gap between traditional desktop application development and modern web and cloud-based solutions. Visual Studio LightSwitch seemed to meet these needs by providing an easy path to develop and deploy applications on a variety of platforms.

Flexibility and Cloud Integration

One of the main selling points of LightSwitch was the ease with which one could switch between client-server, Silverlight, and cloud Azure applications. This flexibility promised a comprehensive solution for developing applications that could evolve with technological advancements without requiring a complete overhaul. Additionally, the ability to plug in third-party components made it even more appealing.

Part-time Development and Productivity

LightSwitch seemed to cater to the needs of developers who saw application development as a part-time activity. It encapsulates much of the technical plumbing, allowing developers to focus on the higher-level aspects of application logic. Although there will be times when deeper coding is necessary, the initial ease of use in developing prototypes can significantly boost productivity. This approach could be especially beneficial for professionals who might not have full-time access to dedicated developers.

Silverlight, which is now somewhat outdated, has been an integral part of LightSwitch. However, the recent development of HTML5 web technologies has paved the way for more modern and scalable solutions. The prospect of a future LightSwitch version that generates HTML5 instead of Silverlight is very exciting and could make it a more attractive option for modern web development.

Marketing and User Adoption

Much of what LightSwitch offers is commendable, such as the visual database designer, the Publish Application wizard, and the model-driven development approach. However, there are challenges in the initial steps. The Silverlight dependency and the initial unfamiliarity of the package might make it difficult for Microsoft to attract a broader user base. The target audience should be the Visual Basic or FoxPro type of developer who is looking for a simple, yet powerful tool for quicker application development. Professionals from other domains who might need to develop database apps in their spare time could find it useful, but the current learning curve might be a significant barrier.

Conclusion and Further Exploration

The introduction of tools like Visual Studio LightSwitch represents a significant effort by Microsoft to bring cloud-hosted application development to a broader developer community. If LightSwitch continues to evolve, especially by moving towards HTML5, it could become a valuable addition to the developer’s toolkit. A version 2 that generates HTML5 instead of Silverlight would be a much-needed update.

For more rationale and hands-on examples, you can find further information on my website. Stay tuned for updates on how LightSwitch fits into the current and future landscape of application development.