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Implementing the Request-Response pattern using C# with JSON-RPC and WebSockets

The Request-Response pattern seems somewhat simple on the surface; send a request, then wait for and receive a response that matches up with the original request. However, implementing this pattern in an efficient manner is something that is easy to get wrong. I’ve found that much of the material online regarding this topic tends to…

SQL Server Merge Replication Error: The schema script could not be propagated to the subscriber

InSQL Server Merge Replication

SQL Server Merge Replication is a powerful solution for synchronising data between SQL Server databases. It is useful for working offline, for site-to-site data synchronisation, and for backup system scenarios. However, when replication goes wrong, resolving the issue at hand can prove to be challenging. The number of moving parts means that every time you…

Working with processes using C#

InProgramming

As software developers, working with processes is something that we frequently need to do. Whether it’s checking if a specific process is running, stopping a process, or creating a new process, it is useful to have a reference point for how to accomplish each of these tasks. In the sections below, I’m going to cover…

Hardening your IIS web server configuration with IIS Crypto

InSecurity Web

When setting up a web server it can be difficult to know what security measures need to be put in place. There are lots of things to think about such as which permissions to apply, which ports to open and which security protocols to enable. Luckily, if you are using IIS, there is a tool…

Obtaining and installing a Wildcard SSL Certificate – For software developers

InSecurity

As software developers, we know that SSL certificates are necessary for securing our website traffic. However, in my experience, the process of obtaining and installing an SSL certificate is not something that very many software developers are familiar with. So, if you are a software developer and are looking for some guidance on the process…

Connecting to SQL Server from PowerShell

InScripting SQL

PowerShell is an awesome scripting language with many powerful features. This includes integration with SQL Server; a fantastic database engine that is both reliable and battle-tested. If you need to automate repetitive and/or time-consuming DBA processes, connecting PowerShell to your SQL Server instance can be a massive help. In this article, we are going to…

Working with User Account Control in .NET apps

InSecurity

Sometimes when you are developing a Windows app you’ll find the need to run the application as a different user, often as the administrator. Windows features a security mechanism called ‘User Account Control’ which prevents applications from launching with elevated privileges without the user’s consent. In this article, I explain how User Account Control works…

PowerShell Quickstart – How to get up and running fast!

InScripting

If you’re seeking to get up and running quickly with PowerShell and you aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place! PowerShell is an invaluable scripting tool for both system administrators and developers alike. Getting up to speed with it will make for a very useful addition to your toolkit. In this…

Stepping up the security of ASP.NET Core web apps with security headers

InSecurity Web

Now, more than ever before, employing security best practices from the start is an absolute must when developing modern web applications. The threat landscape has evolved continuously over the last number of years, however, so have the protection mechanisms which we as software developers can avail of to guard our applications against attackers. In this…

Automate repetitive tasks with your new friend AutoIt