Latest articles and news from Rock Solid Knowledge Web Development en-GB https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com Tue, 28 Apr 2026 03:34:25 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/img/og-logo.png https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com © 2026 Rock Solid Knowledge daily 1 Learning isn’t one size fits all, so offering content in multiple formats, including AI generated audio with tools like NotebookLM, makes learning more accessible for everyone. Andy Clymer https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/different-ways-to-learn Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/different-ways-to-learn Large Language Models (LLMs) are non-deterministic; that is, given the same inputs, they don't produce the same outputs. Context Engineering aims to hone the output of LLMs by providing good context and following strong, defined processes Alex Jones https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/context-engineering-for-software-engineers Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/context-engineering-for-software-engineers Highlights the journey of becoming an Umbraco contributor, overcoming fear, embracing community support and balancing AI's speed with human judgment to drive growth and collaboration. Shelly Chauhan https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/taking-the-leap-becoming-an-umbraco-contributor Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/taking-the-leap-becoming-an-umbraco-contributor Rock Solid Knowledge are proud to have been named Umbraco Contributing Partner 2025, our sixth time being recognised for this award Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-contributing-partner-award-2025 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-contributing-partner-award-2025 We have completed our annual carbon emissions assessment for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. Our total organisational footprint for the year is 26.79 tCO₂e, a 18% YnY reduction. Kieran Odinius https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/rock-solid-knowledge-carbon-emissions-report-2024-2025 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/rock-solid-knowledge-carbon-emissions-report-2024-2025 The Umbraco and web team spent a day exploring what happens when AI takes the lead. Three pairs, three apps, and a reminder that human-first teamwork still drives the best results Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/hackathon-vibes-a-day-of-ai-pizza-and-creativity Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/hackathon-vibes-a-day-of-ai-pizza-and-creativity With the costs of conference attendance rising, armed with a projector and a dream, we took to hosting our own. Alex Jones https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/rock-solid-knowledge-developer-conference-2025 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/rock-solid-knowledge-developer-conference-2025 Umbraco opens a new Bristol office, strengthening ties with Rock Solid Knowledge. As a Gold Partner, this boosts collaboration, energizes the local community, and enhances events like umBristol and Umbraco Spark. Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-opening-bristol-office Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-opening-bristol-office Emma explores the realm of music generation with AI using Suno. Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/music-generation-with-ai Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/music-generation-with-ai Rock Solid Knowledge are delighted to have been awarded the Umbraco Contributing Partner award for the fifth time. Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-contributing-partner-award-2024 Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-contributing-partner-award-2024 I recently visited the Umbraco UK Festival 2024, hosted by the UK Umbraco Foundation. The event brought together 300 Umbraco enthusiasts and professionals, and featured a variety of talks, workshops, and networking. Shelly Chauhan https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-uk-festival-2024 Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-uk-festival-2024 Why getting six weeks paternity leave at full pay was so beneficial and why it makes sense for employers to offer it. Ross Arnold https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/paternity-leave Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/paternity-leave Porting an existing product across to a different platform is a hurdle that is becoming more and more common in the industry as we aim to maximise our potential user base and overall product accessibility. Kyle Hawkes https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/porting-an-existing-windows-application-to-mac-os Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/porting-an-existing-windows-application-to-mac-os Alongside CPR and AED training, we are installing an external AED device to ensure the support of our local community. Kieran Odinius https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/supporting-our-local-community-with-aed-and-cpr-training Tue, 11 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/supporting-our-local-community-with-aed-and-cpr-training However long you’ve been coding there’s always more to learn. Four years into my development career I took a five day C# .NET Zero to Hero course, and it blew my mind. Now I encourage you to do the same. Arianne Weekes https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/it-s-a-kind-of-magic-learning-c-from-first-principles Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/it-s-a-kind-of-magic-learning-c-from-first-principles Rock Solid Knowledge are delighted to have been awarded the Umbraco Contributing Partner award for the fourth time. Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-contributing-partner-award-2023 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-contributing-partner-award-2023 Adventures and lifestyle of a part time software developer, part time volunteer construction worker. My journey venturing into an unknown project on the search for fulfilment. Lewis Kimber https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/juggling-code-and-concrete-adventures-of-a-part-time-software-developer-part-time-volunteer-construction-worker Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/juggling-code-and-concrete-adventures-of-a-part-time-software-developer-part-time-volunteer-construction-worker We took a bold step in downsizing our office, embracing a remote-first model. Partnering with Olympus Trust and donating excess office assets has helped support local schools and foster community growth in Bristol Kieran Odinius https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/rsks-office-downsizing-making-a-big-impact-in-bristol-with-olympus-trust-partnership Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/rsks-office-downsizing-making-a-big-impact-in-bristol-with-olympus-trust-partnership In a display of social responsibility at Rock Solid Knowledge, we recently made a small contribution, with the assistance of SOS Property, by donating four laptops to a local Bristol hotel. Kieran Odinius https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/refugee-resilience-rsks-support-through-laptops-for-learning-in-bristol Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/refugee-resilience-rsks-support-through-laptops-for-learning-in-bristol Have you ever wanted to use a Google Font for your fancy Umbraco Block Grid previews? Me too! But I was really struggling with it... Karl Tynan https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/how-to-load-a-google-font-for-umbraco-block-grid-previews Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/how-to-load-a-google-font-for-umbraco-block-grid-previews As of January 2023 Rock Solid Knowledge is a Certified B Corporation. We are so excited to have joined this movement of thousands that are using businesses as a force for good. Find out some of the things we've done to achieve certification and a celebration video created by the team. Tegen Eve https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/we-are-officially-b-corp-certified Tue, 21 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/we-are-officially-b-corp-certified I'm a recent returner to the tech industry; a coder who became a mother with a baby and returned to full-time work a year later. Here I discuss how I'm navigating this big change to my life and work. Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/returning-to-work-after-a-year-of-maternity-leave Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/returning-to-work-after-a-year-of-maternity-leave Rock Solid Knowledge are delighted to have been awarded the Umbraco Contributing Partner award for the third time. Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-contributing-partner-award-2022 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-contributing-partner-award-2022 In August 2021 three members of the team attended The Good Mental Health Company to become qualified mental health first aiders. In this article, we hear from Sarah, one of the founders, about what was involved and why it’s so important. Tegen Eve https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/mental-health-first-aid-training Wed, 08 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/mental-health-first-aid-training Ever wondered what it's like moving out of your parent's house and making your first career job change all while navigating the murky waters of a global pandemic? Well, wonder no more because this article has you covered. Ben Archer https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/moving-out-changing-jobs-and-covid-19 Fri, 17 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/moving-out-changing-jobs-and-covid-19 B Corp is a certification that holds companies to the highest standard and proves that you are an ethical and sustainable company to work for. This post is here to give you an insight into the process. Spoiler: it's been so much fun. Tegen Eve https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/our-journey-to-b-corp Wed, 11 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/our-journey-to-b-corp Working with 32 and 64-bit views in the Windows Registry can cause some headaches when trying to access registry keys. This article will outline how to find the keys you're looking for in C#. Ben Archer https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/why-cant-i-find-my-registry-key Wed, 21 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/why-cant-i-find-my-registry-key Are you an experienced C/C++ programmer, with years spent using C++ 98 and little exposure to compilers post C++11? Do you feel bridging the gap to the latest C++ standard is be​coming more and more difficult, yet more and more necessary? Do you wish you could write web applications but believe transitioning to C# would be too arduous, especially if you had to incur the expenses? Richard Ngwa https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/making-the-transition-to-c Fri, 12 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/making-the-transition-to-c Gulp is an open source tool that allows you to automate slow and repetitive tasks and integrate them into your build pipelines. This is a fantastic tool to have as a web developer. It lets you create tasks such as CSS minification or JavaScript obfuscation, which can be run by any developer working on the project, as well as within your build pipelines for a consistent output with minimum friction. Barnaby Turner https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/using-gulp-to-create-multiple-asset-bundles Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/using-gulp-to-create-multiple-asset-bundles Blazor WebAssembly is a new UI technology from Microsoft, officially released with .NET Core 3.1 and receiving updates in .NET 5. Blazor allows developers to create single-page applications (SPAs) using C# and .NET utilising a component-based architecture. Blazor WebAssembly is a client-side in-browser implementation of Blazor which includes a .NET runtime implemented in WebAssembly. Alex Jones https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/an-introduction-to-blazor-webassembly Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/an-introduction-to-blazor-webassembly Learn how Rock Solid Knowledge built a customer service helper bot that automates replies to common Garden Games customer emails, all powered by Umbraco, KHAOS Control and Microsoft’s Cognitive Services cloud offering, LUIS. Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/powering-up-a-customer-service-helper-bot-with-ai Mon, 11 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/powering-up-a-customer-service-helper-bot-with-ai If you have been involved in the tech space for the past few years, you’ve probably seen the term "machine learning" being thrown around a lot. For the past year at Rock Solid Knowledge, we’ve been running a weekly Machine Learning Club to skill up our developers in this space. Jo Stevens https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/machine-learning-club Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/machine-learning-club As an employee of an engineering giant, I enjoyed all the perks of working for a large organisation. Then earlier this year, I left after working there for a little over two years to join Rock Solid Knowledge. A risky and bold career move, some might say. Sundas Choudry https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/moving-from-an-engineering-giant-to-rock-solid-knowledge Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/moving-from-an-engineering-giant-to-rock-solid-knowledge I have never worked from home before, and 2020 has changed how I work and think about working within a development team. Find out how Rock Solid Knowledge has helped us to adapt to the new "normal"... Karl Tynan https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/diary-of-a-developer-switching-to-working-from-home Tue, 17 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/diary-of-a-developer-switching-to-working-from-home If you are a developer, your role is not purely about writing code. Being able to write clear, professional technical documentation is vital in the software industry. Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/how-we-have-improved-the-technical-writing-of-our-teams-22 Fri, 23 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/how-we-have-improved-the-technical-writing-of-our-teams-22 Read How we have improved the technical writing of our teams (1/2) Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/how-we-have-improved-the-technical-writing-of-our-teams-12 Tue, 20 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/how-we-have-improved-the-technical-writing-of-our-teams-12 What is Tailwind CSS? What is utility-first CSS? Find out how switching from bespoke CSS or a CSS framework can improve your front-end development productivity and maintenance. Karl Tynan https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/switching-to-tailwind-css-a-utility-first-css-framework Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/switching-to-tailwind-css-a-utility-first-css-framework We are proud to announce that our development team at Rock Solid Knowledge was awarded Umbraco Contributing Gold Partner status, one of a select number of Gold Partners to achieve the award in its first year of operation. Karl Tynan https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-contributing-partner Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-contributing-partner We recently sponsored and attended Umbraco Spark, the Bristol-based Umbraco conference that focuses on forward-thinking and technical innovation. Karl Tynan https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-spark Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/umbraco-spark You may have noticed that the C# compiler gets very upset if you try to use an `await` inside a `lock` statement. There is a reason for this but what if you need synchronization when calling async methods? Richard Blewett https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/locking-asyncawait Tue, 10 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/locking-asyncawait Last month Karl Tynan was lucky enough to attend a fantastic event for Umbraco developers called CODECABIN... Karl Tynan https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/codecabin19 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/codecabin19 Karl Tynan reviews Codegarden19, the official Umbraco developer conference in Odense, Denmark. Karl Tynan https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/codegarden19-karls-review Thu, 30 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/codegarden19-karls-review This article explains how to use dynamic image colors with SkiaSharp. Patrick Allwood https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/dynamic-image-colors-with-skiasharp Tue, 16 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/dynamic-image-colors-with-skiasharp If having CI/CD is great, having CI/CD with the minimal amount of setup is even better right? This article aims to show how to build and deploy Flutter projects with AppCenter. Mark Pitt https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/using-appcenter-for-flutter-projects Tue, 02 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/using-appcenter-for-flutter-projects This article explains how to add collection data binding support to the FlexLayout. Patrick Allwood https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/adding-data-binding-support-to-xamarin-forms-layouts Mon, 18 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/adding-data-binding-support-to-xamarin-forms-layouts Using a mobile device to enhance town trails for all, and providing insights into how the trail is used.  Creating opportunities for targeted marketing. Andy Clymer https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/catch-me-who-can Mon, 14 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/catch-me-who-can As part of the umBristol Christmas Party day of events, Karl Tynan attended the Umbraco V8 hackathon on a boat in Bristol. Karl Tynan https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/the-umbristol-umbraco-v8-hackathon Tue, 18 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/the-umbristol-umbraco-v8-hackathon Navigation in Xamarin.Forms is tightly coupled to the UI. How can you go about breaking that coupling and making your ViewModels more testable? Patrick Allwood https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/decoupling-views-and-navigation-xamarinforms Thu, 04 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/decoupling-views-and-navigation-xamarinforms Emma talks about the talks she will be touring at various Umbraco festivals over the next few months, using her latest talk “Special Combo! When Umbraco and Mobile App Development combine”... Emma Garland https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/special-combo-emmas-umbraco-talks-tour Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/special-combo-emmas-umbraco-talks-tour Working with the Task API and async and await makes consuming asynchronous operations very straightforward. However, what if I want to process several asynchronous operations concurrently? Richard Blewett https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/awaiting-multiple-tasks-effectively Wed, 23 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/awaiting-multiple-tasks-effectively Read how to use the PKCE protocol to allow you to achieve secure authentication in your Xamarin applications using the OidcClient library... Christopher Myhill https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/in-dances-the-pkce-protocol Wed, 11 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/in-dances-the-pkce-protocol Many of us have seen the rise in mobile use, it now seems strange that you would be without a smart phone and also not to use it to order products and help keep our lives in order. Christopher Myhill https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/mobile-app-development-is-key-of-2018 Wed, 07 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/mobile-app-development-is-key-of-2018 As a Xamarin Forms developer sometimes all you need is a way to ensure that users of your application only enter specific characters into Entry views. For me, it was to restrict the entry to numeric characters and a single decimal. Christopher Myhill https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/xamarinforms-tip-how-to-restrict-entry-view Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/xamarinforms-tip-how-to-restrict-entry-view With the automation of HR management here at Rock Solid Knowledge we wanted to create a new way to remember who was meant to be in the office. Joe Harvey https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/creation-of-an-alexa-skill-using-an-internal-hr-api Thu, 23 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/creation-of-an-alexa-skill-using-an-internal-hr-api This year's Gloucester History Festival was the most successful ever - thanks to an amazing line-up of famous speakers and the new, easy to use website and mobile app provided by Rock Solid Knowledge... Gloucester Punchline https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/gloucester-history-festival-is-a-huge-success-thanks-to-app Fri, 10 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/gloucester-history-festival-is-a-huge-success-thanks-to-app The Gloucester History Festival is an annual event in and around Gloucester. It presents talks from experts and celebrities associated with the world of history and covers international as well as local historical events. Christopher Myhill https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/gloucester-history-festival-companion-app Thu, 14 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/gloucester-history-festival-companion-app When using the decorator pattern it is a common practice to create a base class implementation of the abstraction that simply forwards all calls to the decorated class. This means that in the actual functional decorators, once you derive from this base class, you only need to implement the behaviour for the specific methods... Richard Blewett https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/unit-testing-decorator-base-classes Tue, 12 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/unit-testing-decorator-base-classes I must admit when I first saw the list of new language features for C# 6 like many I wasn’t that impressed, especially off the back of async/await. This last month I have at last started my first new real C# 6 project and I must say while the features have not been earth shattering they are actually a joy to use… Andy Clymer https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/something-about-nothing Tue, 12 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/something-about-nothing There is a common pattern that is used in .NET APIs where anything that returns a Task has the suffix Async… Richard Blewett https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/lets-stop-the-async-suffix-bs Thu, 07 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/lets-stop-the-async-suffix-bs CancellationToken, and its owner CancellationTokenSource (CTS), were introduced in .NET 4.0 as a general purpose cancellation framework. It is often associated with Task as that was the first API to it. However, it is, in fact, independent of Task and should be used wherever you are supporting the concept of cancellation as async APIs you may call with be designed with it in mind. Richard Blewett https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/working-with-cancellationtoken-and-dispose Fri, 30 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT https://www.rocksolidknowledge.com/articles/working-with-cancellationtoken-and-dispose