The 10 most-viewed Software Engineer posts published on TechRepublic in 2011 cover HTTP requests, HTML5, the Backus-Naur Form syntax, clean code, and more. Thanks to our Software Engineer writers and readers for your contributions this year. Let us know what topics you’d like to see covered here in 2012.

1: Structure of an HTTP request

HTTP requests are not as mysterious as they may seem. Justin James helps make them more accessible by providing an overview of the common items in an HTTP request.

2: Why HTML5 makes justifying native applications more difficult

Justin James, who is now very bullish on Web applications, explains what you need to consider when deciding whether to write a desktop application or a Web application.

3: Form a learning plan for an HTML5 future

Justin James lists core technologies developers should learn in order to keep up with the game changing HTML5.

4: The most expensive programming mistake ever?

In this programming news roundup, read about the Ajax Control Toolkit, HTML5 and ASP.NET 4, developers’ preference to code on Macs rather than Linux, and more.

5: Why programmers should study the art of programming

Chip Camden encourages programmers to cultivate a broad and deep understanding of the programming trade by accumulating a knowledge of its history and keeping an eye on recent developments.

6: Three things C# only developers might not know

Justin James highlights the important things developers might be missing out on if the only programming language they know is C#.

7: What is BNF, and why should developers care?

Chip Camden explains what the Backus-Naur Form syntax is and how it works. Take a look at his examples of this abstract programming concept.

8: .NET basic technologies overview

Justin James is going to back to basics with his .NET series. Any developer who is new to the .NET ecosystem will want to start with this introduction.

9: Why clean code is more important than efficient code

Efficiency can be important when writing code, but it should usually take a back seat to writing clear code. Chad Perrin explains why.

10: Poll: Where does VB.NET stand?

VB.NET is irrelevant to Microsoft’s strategy, says Justin James. Do you think Microsoft will maintain VB.NET to keep developers happy?