![Weekly Recap: Plugin Architecture, Adapter Pattern, and C# Source Generators [April 2026]](https://devleader-d2f9ggbjfpdqcka7.z01.azurefd.net/media/SquareBanner.webp)
This week: Full coverage of plugin architecture in .NET lands -- AssemblyLoadContext, DI integration, lifecycle management, plugin contracts, and testing extensible systems. The adapter design pattern in C# gets the same treatment with a complete guide, step-by-step implementation, and a decision guide. The composite pattern rounds out the week with a decorator comparison, best practices, and a when-to-use breakdown. Source generator fans also get a practical testing guide and a deep dive into source generators vs reflection. On the video side: thoughts on developer burnout, staying technically sharp after promotion, and the ongoing Visual Studio vs Copilot CLI debate.
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Weekly Recap
Have I Finally Moved Away From Visual Studio? - Principal Engineering Manager AMA
I've been buried in Visual Studio for years now as a C# and dotnet developer -- and I have always really enjoyed working in the IDE. I am a GUI person by nature, and I find myself at home there. However, the CLI-based agentic harnesses are changing that around for me completely.
As with all livestreams, I'm looking forward to answering YOUR questions! So join me live and ask in the chat, or you can comment now, and I can try to get it answered while I stream.
Burned Out But Still Coding? Here's Why That Matters
A developer wanted to know how anyone is expected to have time for solving technical problems after a long work day. Where does the energy come from?
Why Developers Lose Their Edge When They Get Promoted
From the ExperiencedDevs subreddit, this developer wanted thoughts on how to stay technically sharp when your role becomes more strategic.
Testing Plugin Architectures in C#: Strategies for Extensible Systems
Strategies for testing plugin architectures in C# with xUnit -- unit testing, contract tests, and integration testing for extensible .NET plugin systems.
When to Use Adapter Pattern in C#: Decision Guide with Examples
Discover when to use adapter pattern in C# with real decision criteria, use case examples, and guidance on when simpler alternatives work better.
Plugin Lifecycle Management in C#: Loading, Activation, and Unloading
Master plugin lifecycle management in C# with patterns for initialization, activation, hot reload, and graceful unloading in .NET applications.
Composite vs Decorator Pattern in C#: Key Differences Explained
Compare composite vs decorator pattern in C# with side-by-side code examples, key structural differences, and guidance on when to use each.
Plugin Loading in .NET: AssemblyLoadContext with Dependency Injection
Master plugin loading in .NET with AssemblyLoadContext and AssemblyDependencyResolver. Covers isolated contexts, DI integration, and plugin unloading.
How to Implement Adapter Pattern in C#: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to implement adapter pattern in C# with a step-by-step guide covering target interfaces, adaptees, object adapters, and dependency injection registration.
Plugin Contracts and Interfaces in C#: Designing Extensible Plugin Systems
Design stable plugin contracts and interfaces in C# with versioning strategies and NuGet distribution. A practical guide for extensible .NET plugin systems.
Testing C# Source Generators: A Practical Guide
Learn how to test C# source generators with .NET 10. Complete guide covering Microsoft.CodeAnalysis.Testing, unit tests, snapshot testing with Verify, and CI integration.
Composite Pattern Best Practices in C#: Code Organization and Maintainability
Master composite pattern best practices in C# including type safety, child management, recursive operations, and organized tree-based architectures.
Plugin Architecture in C#: The Complete Guide to Extensible .NET Applications
Learn how to implement plugin architecture in C# using modern .NET patterns. Complete guide with AssemblyLoadContext, DI integration, and working code examples.
Adapter Design Pattern in C#: Complete Guide with Examples
Master the adapter design pattern in C# with practical examples showing interface conversion, legacy integration, and third-party library wrapping.
C# Source Generators vs Reflection: Which Should You Use?
Compare C# source generators vs reflection in .NET 10. Understand performance differences, AOT compatibility, and when to choose source generators over runtime reflection.
When to Use Composite Pattern in C#: Decision Guide with Examples
Discover when to use composite pattern in C# with real decision criteria, use case examples, and guidance on when simpler alternatives work better.
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