Proposal: Support For Contract Versioning (and Other WinRT Attributes) On Published WinRT Interfaces

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Introduction

In the world of Windows Runtime (WinRT) development, there are several attributes that play a crucial role in enabling developers to create stable Application Binary Interfaces (ABIs). However, the current process of implementing these attributes is often cumbersome and requires a significant amount of manual effort. In this proposal, we aim to address this issue by providing support for contract versioning and other WinRT attributes on published WinRT interfaces.

Summary

The current process of implementing WinRT attributes involves writing IDL (Interface Definition Language) code, which is then implemented in C#/WinRT. While this approach works to some extent, it has several drawbacks. Firstly, it requires the creation of a vcxproj file in the solution, which can be a hassle to manage. Secondly, it involves dealing with IDL, which can be a complex and error-prone process. Finally, there are several clumsy workarounds that need to be implemented to support runtime classes that were not authored in C#/WinRT.

Rationale

The proposed solution aims to address these gaps and provide a more streamlined and efficient way of implementing WinRT attributes. By supporting contract versioning, method name overloading, interface naming, and interface GUID specifications, we can:

  • Eliminate the need for vcxproj files: By providing a more integrated and automated way of implementing WinRT attributes, we can eliminate the need for vcxproj files in our solutions.
  • Speed up the development inner loop: The current process of implementing WinRT attributes can be slow and cumbersome, which can significantly slow down the development process. By providing a more streamlined and efficient way of implementing these attributes, we can speed up the development inner loop and improve overall productivity.

Benefits

The proposed solution offers several benefits, including:

  • Improved productivity: By providing a more streamlined and efficient way of implementing WinRT attributes, we can improve overall productivity and reduce the time spent on manual effort.
  • Simplified development process: The proposed solution aims to eliminate the need for vcxproj files and simplify the development process by providing a more integrated and automated way of implementing WinRT attributes.
  • Reduced errors: By providing a more streamlined and efficient way of implementing WinRT attributes, we can reduce the likelihood of errors and improve overall quality.

Implementation

To implement the proposed solution, we will need to:

  • Develop a new tool: We will need to develop a new tool that can automatically generate the necessary code for implementing WinRT attributes.
  • Integrate the tool with Visual Studio: We will need to integrate the new tool with Visual Studio to provide a seamless and automated experience for developers.
  • Test and validate the solution: We will need to thoroughly test and validate the solution to ensure that it meets the required standards and is free from errors.

Open Questions

While the proposed solution offers several benefits, there are still several open questions that need to be addressed, including:

  • How will the new tool be integrated with Visual Studio?
  • How will the tool handle conflicts and errors?
  • What are the potential implications for existingbases?

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proposed solution aims to provide a more streamlined and efficient way of implementing WinRT attributes on published WinRT interfaces. By supporting contract versioning, method name overloading, interface naming, and interface GUID specifications, we can eliminate the need for vcxproj files, speed up the development inner loop, and improve overall productivity. While there are still several open questions that need to be addressed, we believe that the proposed solution has the potential to significantly improve the development experience for WinRT developers.

Future Work

To further develop and refine the proposed solution, we will need to:

  • Continuously test and validate the solution: We will need to continuously test and validate the solution to ensure that it meets the required standards and is free from errors.
  • Gather feedback from developers: We will need to gather feedback from developers to identify areas for improvement and refine the solution accordingly.
  • Explore new features and functionality: We will need to explore new features and functionality to further enhance the development experience for WinRT developers.

References

Q: What is the current process of implementing WinRT attributes?

A: The current process of implementing WinRT attributes involves writing IDL (Interface Definition Language) code, which is then implemented in C#/WinRT. This approach works to some extent, but it has several drawbacks, including the need for a vcxproj file in the solution and the complexity of dealing with IDL.

Q: What are the benefits of supporting contract versioning and other WinRT attributes on published WinRT interfaces?

A: By supporting contract versioning, method name overloading, interface naming, and interface GUID specifications, we can eliminate the need for vcxproj files, speed up the development inner loop, and improve overall productivity.

Q: How will the new tool be integrated with Visual Studio?

A: We will need to develop a new tool that can automatically generate the necessary code for implementing WinRT attributes. This tool will need to be integrated with Visual Studio to provide a seamless and automated experience for developers.

Q: How will the tool handle conflicts and errors?

A: The tool will need to be designed to handle conflicts and errors in a robust and efficient manner. This may involve implementing features such as conflict resolution, error reporting, and debugging tools.

Q: What are the potential implications for existing bases?

A: The proposed solution may have implications for existing bases, including the need to update code and potentially refactor existing implementations. We will need to carefully consider these implications and develop a plan for migrating existing bases to the new solution.

Q: How will the solution be tested and validated?

A: We will need to thoroughly test and validate the solution to ensure that it meets the required standards and is free from errors. This may involve conducting unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance testing (UAT).

Q: What is the timeline for implementing the proposed solution?

A: We will need to develop a detailed project plan and timeline for implementing the proposed solution. This will involve estimating the time and resources required for each task and developing a schedule for completing the project.

Q: How will the solution be maintained and updated?

A: We will need to develop a plan for maintaining and updating the solution, including procedures for handling bugs, implementing new features, and addressing security vulnerabilities.

Q: What are the potential risks and challenges associated with the proposed solution?

A: There are several potential risks and challenges associated with the proposed solution, including the need to develop a new tool, integrate it with Visual Studio, and handle conflicts and errors. We will need to carefully consider these risks and develop a plan for mitigating them.

Q: How will the solution be communicated to developers and stakeholders?

A: We will need to develop a plan for communicating the solution to developers and stakeholders, including documentation, training, and support.

Q: What are the potential benefits of the proposed solution?

A: The proposed solution has the potential to significantly improve the development experience for WinRT developers, including eliminating the need for vcxproj files, speeding up the development inner loop, and improving overall productivity.

Q: How will the solution be evaluated and measured?

A: We will need to develop a plan for evaluating and measuring the success of the proposed solution, including metrics for productivity, quality, and user satisfaction.

Q: What are the next steps for implementing the proposed solution?

A: The next steps for implementing the proposed solution will involve developing a detailed project plan and timeline, estimating the time and resources required for each task, and developing a plan for maintaining and updating the solution.

References