Foreword

When the author of this book, Dirk Strauss, asked me if I'd write a foreword, it took me about n milliseconds (where n is a small integer) to reply with a "yes". I've known Dirk for a few years, starting when we worked on a project that involved C# Code Contracts. Quite some time ago I worked with the Research in Software Engineering group at Microsoft Research, who originally developed Code Contracts, so when I saw Dirk's explanation of the technology, I knew immediately that Dirk has a rare ability to understand, use, and most importantly with regards to C# 7 and .NET Core Cookbook, explain ideas in a clear and precise way. 

Most of my colleagues and I believe that a major challenge facing .NET developers, and in fact all software developers, is the astonishing explosion of new technologies and the associated tidal wave of various forms of documentation. It's becoming increasingly difficult to find those few valuable resources that get to the point quickly, and explain technologies and paradigms succinctly so you can get on with your work. This book is one such reference. I hope you'll enjoy and value C# 7 and .NET Core Cookbook as much as I do!

Dr. James McCaffrey

Microsoft Research