Programming news: NetBeans 7.0, IE10 preview, Script# introduction

Language/library updates

Microsoft DevLabs has released Solver Foundation, a set of libraries and tools for developing models to solve problems.

The Async CTP (which introduces the "async" and "await" keywords) has been updated, primarily to work with Visual Studio 2010 SP1.

RIM has released its WebWorks SDK for tablet development (and also for phone development) and its Tablet SDK for Adobe AIR.

Tools and products

NetBeans 7.0 has been released in final form. The new version includes support for JDK 7 and HTML5.

AppDynamics has released version 3.2 of its namesake application performance management tool. It has two new features. The first is the ability to work with various caching systems like Memcached. The other is that it can now diagnose SOA performance issues.

Telerik introduced betas for two new tools: JustDecompile (a free decompiler) and JustTrace (a profiling tool). I saw demos, and both tools look very easy to use.

Coverity has leveraged its existing code testing platform to produce Coverity Integrity Control. This new tool reports on a variety of metrics to help highlight problems in your development process.

Microsoft released a tool that can map some iPhone APIs to Windows Phone 7 calls to help ease the transition for developers.

Microsoft released the platform preview for IE10, which enhances IE9's support for new and existing standards around HTML5. It will be interesting to see if Microsoft can become Agile enough to keep up with these moving targets.

Engine Yard is now offering free trials of its AppCloud platform-as-a-service offering.

QMetry (makers of test case management software) are now embedding Jaspersoft's JasperReports Server Professional product into its system to provide better reporting.

The Silverlight version of db40 now supports LINQ.

Liferay (makers of open source enterprise portal software) has partnered with MuleSoft to bundle its Tcat Server product and the Liferay Portal together for single installation and support.

Eucalyptus Systems (who make on-premise cloud software) and Puppet Labs (enterprise system management) have teamed up to deliver a package that combines the Eucalyptus cloud offering with the Puppet management package.

Editorial and commentary

One of my favorite regular events is the release of the Appcelerator/IDC Mobile Developer Report. What's interesting is that interest in Windows Phone 7 development fell, but RIM fell so much that Windows Phone 7 actually passed it. Who knew you could gain by losing? Also, there are some critically important insights regarding why developers are not interested in the second tier players (hint: it's not market share as everyone assumes).

I think I've had conversations like this before.

Tips and tricks

Script# is a fascinating new project that allows you to compile C# to JavaScript. By working in C#, your existing tools and knowledge can be used to get the JavaScript you need for your Web development projects. Check out this tutorial on Script#.

Events

There will be a Code Camp on May 14 in Charlotte, NC. I'll be giving two presentations, and there will be a number of other presentations as well. The event is free of charge.

ZendCon 2011 has opened its call for papers; it will close on May 13.

The Eclipse Foundation has started its 2011 Community Survey.

J.Ja