C# 14 features, agentic AI, and SQL Server search
This issue covers C# 14 updates, ASP.NET Core binding, EF Core architecture, agentic AI, and SQL Server vector search, plus testing and patterns.
Jasen's top three picks
- 1 The best new features of C# 14
""charp" OR "asp.net" OR "fsharp" OR "c#" OR "vb.net" " - Google News
A solid look at what’s new in C# 14, and why it matters for everyday language work rather than just release-note trivia.
- 2 Dealing with DB Null: Solving the Object cannot be cast from DB Null to other types Error in C#
C# Corner
A practical reminder that DBNull handling still bites real applications; the examples here are useful for any database-heavy codebase.
- 3 How to Reverse a String in C#
C# Corner
Simple topic, but string reversal is a good way to think about APIs, immutability, and when micro-optimizations actually matter.
Editor's note
I put together a pretty wide mix this time: language updates, core framework fundamentals, architecture, and a strong AI/data streak. The C# 14 piece and the SQL Server vector-search demo stand out because they show where the platform is headed, while the DBNull and binding-source articles are the kind of practical refreshers people still need.
Today's articles
The best new features of C# 14
""charp" OR "asp.net" OR "fsharp" OR "c#" OR "vb.net" " - Google News
The best new features of C# 14
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Dealing with DB Null: Solving the Object cannot be cast from DB Null to other types Error in C#
C# Corner
Safely handle DBNull values in C# when querying databases like Oracle or SQL Server. Prevent InvalidCastExceptions with practical examples and extension methods.
Topics: C# SQL Server
Read articleHow to Reverse a String in C#
C# Corner
Learn two efficient methods to reverse strings in C# using Array.Reverse() and loops. Understand the immutability of strings, performance considerations, and real-world applications. Master this funda...
Topics: C# Performance
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The Sinking Ship: Protecting .NET Microservices with the Bulkhead Pattern
Microsoft Dev Blogs
A practical guide to isolating resources and preventing cascading failures in distributed systems using Polly.
Topics: Design Patterns .NET Core
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Understanding Assemblies in .NET: Concepts Every Developer Should Know
Medium
When working with .NET, terms like DLL, assembly, NuGet, and strong naming often get used interchangeably — sometimes incorrectly. Behind…
Topics: .NET Core .NET Framework
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Powering the New Microsoft Agent Framework with Gemini 3.x
Medium
How to bring Google’s latest models into the new .NET Agentic ecosystem Continue reading on Google Cloud - Community »
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Agentic RAG for Everyone Using Azure SQL, OpenAI, and Web Apps
YouTube
How to Use Dependency Injection in a .NET Console Application
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The Diamond Problem and Why Interfaces are the Solution
Medium
Object-oriented programming is full of elegant ideas… and subtle traps. One of the most famous is the Diamond Problem, a classic ambiguity…
Topics: Design Patterns Solid Principles
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From Spaghetti to Clean Architecture: How to Decouple EF Core without Over-Engineering
Medium
Let’s be honest. We all love the idea of greenfield projects. But in the real world, the most impactful engineering work happens in the…
Topics: Clean Architecture EF Core
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Binding Sources in ASP .NET Core
Medium
In ASP.NET Core, binding sources are attributes that tell the framework exactly where to retrieve data from within an HTTP request. When a…
Topics: ASP.NET Core Web API
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The End of Boilerplate: How Visual Studio 2026 is Automating the Testing Lifecycle
Medium
The latest February update for Visual Studio 2026 has introduced a feature that might finally kill the "testing debt" in most repositories…
Topics: Unit Testing Visual Studio
Read articleHTTP Retries Done Right: The Factory Pattern
Medium
The Problem with Naive Retries
Topics: Design Patterns Performance
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Smarter Queries Start Here: Vector Search in SQL Server & Azure SQL DB
YouTube
How to Crop and Compress Images in PowerPoint Using C#
Topics: Azure SQL Server
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How to Classify Documents using AI in C#/.NET
Medium
Upload portals for document automation pipelines are usually limited by input document classifications or categories. With AI, that all…
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