Our people
Mike Yeager
CEO
Mike is the CEO of CODE and a skilled .NET and cloud developer. Mike excels at evaluating business requirements and turning them into results from development teams. He's been the project lead on many projects and promotes the use of modern best practices. Mike has also been an early adopter of Microsoft's Semantic Kernel, writing articles and giving presentations on it. He's worked on multiple AI projects, including the development of a copilot for working with specialized legal contracts, focusing on efficiently ingestion and searching large volumes of documents to increase the relevance and quality of the copilot's responses. Before coming to CODE, Mike was a business owner developing a high-profile software business in the leisure industry. He grew the business from 2 employees to over 30 before selling the company and looking for new challenges. He continues speaking at conferences and writing for trade magazines. In his spare time, Mike enjoys skiing, golfing, flying and playing ice hockey and his latest project is teaching development skills to kids in his home town of Taos, NM.
Detailed Biography
Mike is the CEO of CODE and a skilled .NET and cloud developer. Mike excels at evaluating business requirements and turning them into results from development teams. He's been the project lead on many projects and promotes the use of modern best practices. Mike has also been an early adopter of Microsoft's Semantic Kernel, writing articles and giving presentations on it. He's worked on multiple AI projects, including the development of a copilot for working with specialized legal contracts, focusing on efficiently ingestion and searching large volumes of documents to increase the relevance and quality of the copilot's responses.
Before coming to CODE, Mike was a business owner developing a high-profile software business in the leisure industry. He grew the business from 2 employees to over 30 before selling the company and looking for new challenges. He continues speaking at conferences and writing for trade magazines. In his spare time, Mike enjoys skiing, golfing, flying and playing ice hockey and his latest project is teaching development skills to kids in his home town of Taos, NM.
Skills
- C# / Visual Studio
- Azure DevOps
- Photino
- JavaScript/TypeScript & frameworks
- Azure SQL Database & SQL Server
- NoSQL including Cosmos DB
- SQL Server Reporting Services
- Serverless development
- Microsoft Azure development
- Mobile device development
- WPF / Xamarin / MAUI / XAML development
- CODE Framework
- Visual Studio Extensibility (VSX)
- Requirements gathering
- Use cases & documentation
- Design patterns
- Git
Articles Authored
Articles
Showing 1–43 of 43
-
Building Multi-Agent Workflows in C# with Microsoft Agent Framework
Mike explains that Microsoft Agent Framework goes beyond single agents by providing orchestration patterns for building multi-agent systems. Using examples, he shows how to compose specialized agents into sequential, concurrent, handoff, and group chat workflows, stream and observe their execution, and even create custom workflows with executors, edges, and typed message contracts. His main point is that complex AI applications are best built as coordinated processes, not one all-purpose agent, and AF supplies the building blocks to model and scale those processes.
-
DON’T PANIC
Channeling Douglas Adams' "DON'T PANIC," Mike argues for a rational, grounded approach to AI adoption—cutting through clickbait hysteria to focus on practical applications. AI is transforming work but remains limited and imperfect; human contributions aren't obsolete, and progress is best met with cautious optimism.
-
The .NET AI Stack
Mike Yeager traces the evolution of .NET AI development—from early generative AI experiments through Semantic Kernel to the new Agent Framework (Microsoft.Agents.AI). With hands-on code examples, the article demonstrates how Microsoft.Extensions.AI and Agent Framework simplify agent integration, tool use, and workflows, making them the go-to stack for building flexible, future-proof AI applications in .NET.
-
What You Need to Know About Fabric
Mike argues that Microsoft Fabric is a unifying platform designed to tame fragmented data estates by consolidating diverse data into a single, secure, and governed system called OneLake. By standardizing storage in Delta Parquet across warehouses, lakes, and lakehouses, and pairing robust data engineering, governance (Purview), and AI-enabled Copilots with a simple pay-one-price model, Fabric enables real-time insights, scalable analytics, and AI readiness while maintaining lineage, security, and manageability across dispersed sources and subsidiaries.
-
Upgrade Your Application and Prepare for the Future with .NET Aspire
This article explores the evolving landscape of software upgrade and modernization initiatives, highlighting the tools available from Microsoft to streamline these processes. Mike started to use Visual Studio's Upgrade Assistant right after BUILD 2025 along with GitHub Copilot's AI-powered app modernization features, detailing their usage to alleviate technical debt and quickly modernize applications. He emphasizes the shift from a traditional project-based software development mindset to a continuous cycle approach, advocating for the use of .NET Aspire and other advanced tooling to facilitate this transition.
-
My New Copilot PC
Mike recounts his transition to a Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PC ARM computer, emphasizing how its Hexagon NPU significantly enhances AI tasks. Despite minor software compatibility issues and delayed AI features like Phi Silica and Recall, Mike appreciates the device's speed and efficiency for development tasks, such as using Visual Studio and engaging in programming on Windows ARM64. He experiments with AI capabilities using ONNX models and remains optimistic about the burgeoning AI functionalities as they evolve, acknowledging that while the hardware is promising, its full potential is yet to be realized.
-
Semantic Kernel Part 4: Agents
In "Semantic Kernel Part 4: Agents," Mike Yeager explores the use of agents within Semantic Kernel (SK) to tackle complex tasks by customizing Large Language Models (LLMs). Mike explains that agents function as specialized LLMs with specific capabilities, such as performing calculations or accessing tools like MATLAB, to produce more accurate and specialized outcomes. You'll learn about creating assistant agents for specific use cases, like tax calculation, and chat agents that collaborate to achieve tasks, exemplified through a software development scenario. These agents simplify processes by being modular and pre-configured, allowing developers to build more extensive, manageable systems while treating agents as source code.
-
Semantic Kernel Part 3: Advanced Topics
Mike details the evolution of his team's development of a Copilot system using Microsoft's Semantic Kernel (SK) framework for Large Language Models (LLMs). Initially, Mike describes their hands-on approach to building a Copilot capable of answering legal contract queries by manually injecting relevant data into prompts. However, as the project advanced, the team adopted GPT-4 and automatic function calling, significantly simplifying their code and enhancing functionality. Mike emphasizes the transformative impact of these new technologies, which allowed for more effective and efficient application development with minimal manual intervention.
-
Semantic Kernel 101: Part 2
Mike continues his tutorial on working with Semantic Kernel (SK), Microsoft's framework for working with Large Language Models (LLMs), including code examples since SK V1 has just released. Mike demonstrates how to create a deployment of a GPT-4 Large Language Model in the Azure portal. Learn to create a prompt in code and execute it against the model. Learn to execute your own C# code in the same way you executed the prompts, and how to chain multiple functions together in a pipeline.
-
Semantic Kernel 101
Mike Yeager introduces Semantic Kernel (SK), an open-source AI framework developed by Microsoft for .NET for working with large language models (LLMs) and specifically to help create Copilots. Yeager explains that SK serves three main purposes: to abstract the underlying LLMs, APIs, and tooling; to handle complex implementations in a generic way; and to facilitate the integration of user-generated content. He also discusses the benefits of using SK, such as its ability to create prompt templates, handle ad hoc scenarios, and assist with tasks like tokenization and text splitting. Despite still being in preview, Yeager suggests that SK is a powerful SDK that is worth exploring.
-
Machine Learning Saves Precious Time: Using AI to Classify Spam
Like most businesses, EPS and CODE Magazine receive a fair amount of spam through the contact page on the website. Mike and his team found a way to use machine learning to train and then sort spam from legitimate customers using CODE's contact form. And it can be trained later to be better.
-
Machine Learning Saves Precious Time: Using AI to Classify Spam
Learn to use machine learning with AI to identify spam. Mike and the CODE team use AI to sort out the legitimate email messages.
-
.NET 6: Date and Time
Every day, you need to know the date and the time for a myriad of reasons. Mike walks through the current state for using Data and Time types from SQL Server in .NET code.
-
It’s Complicated
Software development is complicated. Mike talks about dealing with complexity on teams, and how teams can work together better to manage those giant piles of new ideas with catchy names.
-
Introducing Photino: Create Desktop Applications with Web UIs
If you use Electron but find it makes a pretty big application, try using open source Photino, which uses .NET 5 for the host application instead of Node.js. Your apps for mobile or cross-platform can be lighter and faster.
-
Add File Storage to Azure App Services: The Work Around
When maintaining the hierarchy of a file system and integrating security limits you to a single point of access, you might have some heavy lifting to do while you wait for Microsoft to supply a tool to automate this task. Mike and his team found a great work-around that will keep you happy until the tool is available.
-
.NET Core for the Desktop
Software vendors and conferences would tell you that the desktop is dead, but if you’re a working consultant, you know that’s not true. Mike dives into a great tool using WinForms to show you what you’ve been missing.
-
Azure Skyline: Terms (Resource Groups, App Service Plans and SQL Elastic Pools)
Azure has come out with some great new tools. Mike introduces some of them, including Resource Groups, App Service Plans, and SQL Elastic Pools.
-
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is: Dates and Times across Time Zones
Mike Yeager explores the complexities of handling dates, times, and time zones in software development, particularly in systems spanning multiple regions. He emphasizes the importance of using tools like .NET's DateTimeOffset to handle time zone data effectively, avoiding pitfalls such as unintended time shifts caused by the DateTime type's Kind property. Yeager highlights practical strategies for storing and manipulating dates, times, and offsets, while addressing nuanced challenges like daylight savings and timezone ambiguity. The article advocates building robust systems that accommodate time zone variations, ensuring accuracy and adaptability in global contexts.
-
Azure Skyline: Data in Cloud Applications
Mike looks at the technology that allows multiple teams to connect and scale their data despite disparate data storage methods.
-
Azure Skyline: Building and Deploying Services to Azure with .NET Core and Docker
Today’s devs have to be nimble. Your app has to work on a multitude of platforms and meet any number of platform-specific demands. Mike explains how a new tool called Docker can help you deploy your apps on everything from Linux to .NET and leave you hardly breaking a sweat.
-
Azure Skyline: Using WebJobs for Event-Driven, Asynchronous Services
If your call to services times out after four minutes, you can have a problem if the process needed to retrieve the data or a fire-and-forget operation takes longer than that. What if the user makes a request and then wanders away from the computer? Mike solves it for you, with WebJobs in Azure Skyline.
-
Azure Skyline: Visual Studio Reports in the Cloud
Every company requires reports. They’re one of the constants of the business world. Mike shows us how to use Azure and VS to get just what you need without the drudgery you’ve come to expect.
-
Azure Skyline: Azure’s Active Directory—Authorization in the Cloud
In "Azure Skyline," Mike Yeager explains the complexities of Azure Active Directory (AAD) from an end-user perspective, highlighting how multiple AADs, domain associations, and Microsoft IDs create confusion during login processes. He emphasizes that login names often resemble email addresses but represent distinct identities across different AADs with separate passwords. Yeager advises users to understand authentication from an app’s viewpoint rather than their own, clarifying that AAD manages authorization through varied account types, which, while powerful, can lead to overlapping and confusing login experiences.
-
Azure Skyline: Azure’s SQL Database—SQL Server in the Cloud
Mike explores Azure SQL Database and what it has the potential to do for large and small businesses.
-
Azure Skyline: Remote App—Hosting Desktop Apps in Azure
In this next installment of his exploration of Microsoft Azure, Mike explores the benefits of remote desktop apps.
-
Manager’s Corner: The Long View!
In "Manager’s Corner: The Long View!" Mike Yeager reflects on a pivotal lesson in business: the importance of understanding and delivering what customers truly need, rather than simply offering what one has. Drawing from his own experiences, Yeager shares how losing a major contract due to a narrow focus prompted a shift in his approach to software development. He advocates for viewing software solutions as evolving, long-term services rather than finite projects, emphasizing proactive adaptability, customer collaboration, and comprehensive system support. By taking the "long view," businesses can thrive in an ever-changing landscape, fostering enduring client relationships and mutual success.
-
Azure Skyline: Hello World—Virtual Machines in the Cloud
Mike introduces you to the wonder of the cloud through a free subscription to Microsoft’s Azure. He gives an interesting tour and helps guide you through your first app.
-
Manager's Corner: Recharging
Mike teaches us the value of taking a vacation--it's good for the whole team!
-
Manager’s Corner: Flat Code
Mike takes a close look at how to deal with legacy code and the problems of re-using and maintaining source code.
-
Manager’s Corner: Motivation
Mike talks about the different kinds of motivation and how, as a manager, to contribute to maintaining motivation among the workers on your project.
-
Manager’s Corner: Teams and Scalability
When your team drastically changes size, you’ll understand Mike’s parallel lessons from writing code.
-
Manager’s Corner: Words Matter
Words aren’t the only aspect of good communication. Mike teaches us that the code should stand on its own, now, next week, next year, and for the next decade.
-
Manger's Corner: Simplicity
Simplicity doesn’t mean more abstract: it means more basic and clear. Mike tells us how to manage projects without introducing unnecessary complexity.
-
Manager's Corner: Meetings
If your calendar has more meetings scheduled into it that time to work, you’ll appreciate Mike Yeager’s suggestions for making meetings more efficient.
-
Manager’s Corner: The Emperor Has No Clothes
I’ve been working on a technical assessment of a system for a new client during the last few weeks. As I looked at line after line of the source code they gave me, I saw test-driven design (TDD), inversion of control (IOC), dependency injection (DI), and plenty of other TLAs (three letter acronyms). I saw “convention over configuration.” I saw layer upon layer of abstraction. There was more unit test code than code. Code coverage was very high. Marvelous! I can almost hear some of you salivating.
-
-
From VFP to .NET
A practical look at what’s involved in converting your Visual FoxPro (VFP) applications to Visual Studio and SQL Server. Let me say up front that I am a long-time FoxPro developer and that I love VFP. I also love .NET and SQL Server and I’ve headed up and participated in many conversions. Most of the conversions I’ve worked on were not driven by technical necessity, but by customer demand that software be built with .NET and SQL Server. Whatever the reason, conversion from VFP to .NET is a significant undertaking.
-
VFP Conversion Roadmap Whitepaper
This whitepaper discusses strategies for managers converting Visual FoxPro (VFP) applications to .NET, and lays a foundation for producing an implementation plan.
-
VFP 8 Tips and Tricks
Some of the early adopters of VFP 8 have contributed tips for some of the new features of this exciting release.Check out their ideas, then jump into the product and try some of the new stuff. You'll find that there is much more than meets the eye, with hundreds of additions, changes, and improvements.
-
Extending Your Development Experience with the Visual Studio Gallery
There are some big, exciting changes happening around Visual Studio! Microsoft is shifting the focus of VS from being just a developer tool to being an entire platform. As part of that shift, the Visual Studio Gallery web site went live on Feb 27, 2008. The site is your one-stop resource for cool productivity tools called Visual Studio extensions. An addition to CodePlex’s repository of collaborative projects and CodeGallery’s place to find sample apps and code snippets, Visual Studio Gallery is THE place to find extensions targeted at Visual Studio. Extensions can be anything from macros to item, project or solution templates to add-ins to full-blown extensibility packages. You’ll find both free and paid extensions built by both professional companies and community members.
-
CODE Framework Cheat Sheet
Quick Reference for the objects and properties used in the CODE Framework
-
CODE SQL Server Database Standards
Mike Yeager explains CODE SQL Server Database Standards