The 10 most-read Software Engineer posts (based on Google Analytics data about pageviews) include some pieces that date back to 2008. Thanks to our Software Engineer writers and readers for your contributions this year. Let us know what topics you’d like to see cover here in 2013.

1. Access XML data using LINQ to XML

Tony Patton focuses on what he thinks is one of the more exciting aspects of the LINQ technology: working with XML. LINQ to XML allows you to create, read, and write XML-based data.

2. Write a resume that will land you a programming job

Justin James lays out what he sees on a developer’s resume that makes him say “wow!”… and what makes him say “ugh!”

3. Downloads files over the web with .NET’s WebClient class

The System.Net namespace includes the WebClient class for uploading and downloading files via HTTP. You can copy or read files with only a few lines of code. Tony Patton details how the WebClient class helped him solve a recent problem.

4. Two approaches to redirection in ASP.NET

ASP.NET provides a few ways to move to different pages. Tony Patton looks at these options and provides commentary on when you should use which approach.

5. Use ASP.NET’s literal control to its full potential

There are many options when it comes to placing text on an ASP.NET Web form. You may type the text directly within the page markup, use a Label control, or use a TextBox control to name a few. One option that is often overlooked by new and experienced developers is the Literal Web control, which allows you to place and easily manipulate text within a page.

6. Easily test Web services with soapUI

The soapUI tool makes it much easier to test Web services during development. It’s also useful for interacting with third-party Web services to get a better idea of what to expect (and what to include) in the response. See how to put soapUI to work.

7. C# developer interview questions and answers

Software development hiring managers and potential interviewees will find these open-ended C# proficiency interview questions and answers useful.

8. ASP.NET basics: the page life cycle

This overview of the ASP.NET page life cycle covers how and when page elements are loaded and corresponding events are fired.

9. ASP.NET basics: Working with the TextBox control

Developers often overlook basic programming options in favor of new or cool ways to deliver results. This is true for many of the standard ASP.NET features. A good example is the TextBox Web control, which offers plenty of options for building applications.

10. Look inside .NET DLL files with reflector

An application developer’s job takes many shapes and forms; sometimes we create new applications from scratch, while other times we try to reverse engineer an existing application. Reflector is one option that makes it easy to take a peek inside existing assemblies.

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