MindByte Issue #106: GitHub Hackathon, Secure Workflows, and Database as Code

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Welcome back, tech enthusiasts! đŸš€

This week, we’re diving into a diverse lineup of tools, events, and insights to elevate your development game. From hands-on learning opportunities like the GitHub Copilot Hackathon, to practical guides on securing GitHub Actions and managing databases as code, there’s plenty to explore.

Here’s what’s in store:

  • 🎓 Join the GitHub Copilot Hackathon or Global BootCamp

  • ⚡ Master slash commands for streamlined deployments

  • 🏆 Explore the winners of the Game Off 2024 contest

  • 🔍 Secure your GitHub Actions with CodeQL

  • 🗄️ Dive into database schema management with Atlas

Let’s dive straight into this week’s highlights!

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GitHub Digest

‘Wing it’ with Copilot! Join the Copilot Hackathon on February 5th in Hilversum, organized by my employer Xebia!  During this interactive experience, we’ll explain what Copilot is -and what it is not- while you test its capabilities and limitations with peers in a secure and scoped setting, guided by our GitHub experts.

If you cannot join us in Hilversum, then look at the GitHub Copilot Global BootCamp, organized by Microsoft, and runs from 4 to 13 of February.

Explore how slash command can help you in your ChatOps journey. Learn how to capture and react to issue_comment events and build your own system to e.g. deploy your application.

See the winners and the code that makes those a winner, of the GitHub Game Off 2024 contest. The Game Off is an annual game jam that challenges individuals and teams to build a game during November. They can use whatever programming languages, game engines, or libraries they like. 

With the recently announced free version of GitHub Copilot, there is almost no excuse not to at least try it. And what better way to start than by having a look at these examples?

From starting a new project, to upgrading a framework or fixing your test cases, see what Copilot has to offer.

Of course, you should secure your code but do not forget about your build infrastructure as well. Various vulnerabilities have been uncovered in GitHub Actions workflows.

With the new CodeQL queries, you can now scan your workflows for potential security issues.

Coding Corner

An interesting take on Clean Architecture and I like the points mentioned. Although this architecture has its benefits, it is not an ideal solution for all applications.

Found this one recently and I've always been intrigued by X as Code constructions. In this case your database as code. Get your DB schema as JSON, SQL, HCL and run migrate and diff actions against it. Similar like running Terraform, but in this case for your database.

Do you have a bunch of services that need to talk to each other? Have a look at Dapr, as it can handle pub/sub scenarios for you easily.

Eduard shows some nice examples of applying Dapr to handle messages sent by another service.

Azure Updates & Insights

Why would you use Durable Functions to create AI agents? Chris Gillum argues why they can be a great fit for this use case.

.NET Nook

When you do clean architecture, make sure you apply the correct testing as well. This blog post will show you what to do.

If you want to build something with AI / LLMs in dotnet, you could use the Semantic Kernel packages, but nowadays, there is also a Microsoft .Extensions.AI library.

Why would you use the one or the other? Panu Oksala shows the differences and which gives his verdict.

Closing Thoughts

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