# Christian Findlay - Flutter & .NET Developer

> Christian Findlay is a software developer with 20+ years of experience specializing in Flutter, Dart, and .NET development. He is the Director of Nimblesite, Melbourne's premiere Flutter development agency. This site contains his technical blog with in-depth articles on Flutter testing, Dart programming, .NET development, and software architecture.

## About Christian Findlay

Christian Findlay is a Melbourne-based software developer who has been building software professionally for over 20 years. He specializes in:

- **Flutter & Dart**: Building cross-platform mobile applications with comprehensive test coverage
- **.NET Development**: Backend services, APIs, and cloud architecture with C# and ASP.NET Core
- **Open Source**: Creator and maintainer of several popular libraries including RestClient.Net, Device.Net, and ioc_container
- **Testing & Quality**: Expert in widget testing, integration testing, and test-driven development
- **AI Integration**: Helping teams integrate AI capabilities into applications and workflows

He is the Director of Nimblesite, Melbourne's premiere Flutter development agency, where he helps businesses build high-quality mobile applications.

## Services Offered

### Mobile App Development
Full-service Flutter app development from concept to App Store deployment. Specializing in:
- Cross-platform mobile apps (iOS and Android from single codebase)
- High test coverage with widget and integration tests
- Material Design 3 implementation
- State management architecture

### .NET Backend Development
Enterprise-grade backend services with:
- ASP.NET Core APIs and microservices
- Cloud deployment (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud)
- Database design and optimization
- Migration from .NET Framework to modern .NET

### Flutter Testing Training
Comprehensive training programs for teams including:
- Widget testing fundamentals and advanced patterns
- Integration testing strategies
- Test-driven development workflows
- CI/CD pipeline setup for automated testing

### Code Reviews & Architecture Consulting
Expert analysis of existing codebases to:
- Identify technical debt and quality issues
- Recommend architectural improvements
- Establish coding standards and best practices

## Open Source Projects

### Osprey Programming Language
[ospreylang.dev](https://www.ospreylang.dev)
A modern functional programming language designed for elegance, safety, and performance. Features algebraic data types, pattern matching, and a strong type system.

### dart_node
[dartnode.org](https://dartnode.org)
Write React, React Native, and Express apps entirely in Dart with runtime type safety. Brings the Dart ecosystem to Node.js development.

### dart_mutant
[dartmutant.dev](https://dartmutant.dev)
Mutation testing for Dart applications. Automatically injects bugs into your code to verify your tests can detect them. Powered by Rust for performance.

### DataProvider
[dataprovider.tech](https://dataprovider.tech)
A .NET toolkit for type-safe, source-generated SQL access with Lambda Query Language. Eliminates runtime SQL errors through compile-time verification.

### RestClient.Net
[GitHub](https://github.com/MelbourneDeveloper/RestClient.Net)
The safest way to make REST calls in C#. Features type-safe responses, Result types for error handling, and exhaustive pattern matching.

### flutter_vst3
[GitHub](https://github.com/MelbourneDeveloper/flutter_vst3)
Build professional VST3 audio plugins with Flutter UIs and pure Dart audio processing. Bridges Flutter's UI capabilities with audio plugin development.

### Device.Net
[GitHub](https://github.com/MelbourneDeveloper/Device.Net)
Cross-platform C# library for USB and HID device communication. Works on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and UWP.

### ioc_container
[pub.dev](https://pub.dev/packages/ioc_container)
Lightweight dependency injection container for Dart and Flutter. Simple API with compile-time safety.

## Blog Categories

### Flutter & Dart Development

#### Testing
- **Full App Widget Testing**: Comprehensive approach to testing entire Flutter apps with widget tests, covering dependency injection, mocking, and test organization
- **Widget Tests as Integration Tests**: Technique for reusing widget tests as integration tests to run on real devices
- **Mock Functions for Testing**: Effective strategies for mocking functions and dependencies in Flutter tests

#### Dart Language Features
- **Dart 3 Records and Futures**: Using Dart 3's records feature with async code and futures
- **Switch Expressions**: Pattern matching and exhaustive switch expressions in Dart 3
- **Algebraic Data Types**: Implementing sealed classes and sum types for type-safe state modeling
- **Extension Methods**: Creating and using extension methods effectively in Dart

#### State Management
- **Flutter State Management Components**: Comparing approaches including Provider, Riverpod, BLoC, and signals
- **Breaking BLoC Rules**: When and why to deviate from strict BLoC architecture
- **Reactive Programming with Signals**: Using observables and computed values

#### UI Development
- **Material Design 3 in Flutter**: Complete guide to theming with Material 3
- **Hexadecimal Colors**: Working with hex color codes in Flutter
- **Navigation Drawer**: Building Material Design navigation drawers
- **Search Bar in AppBar**: Adding search functionality to app bars

### .NET Development

#### REST APIs and HTTP
- **RestClient.Net**: Cross-platform type-safe REST client for .NET
- **ASP.NET Core Webhooks**: Building webhook receivers with minimal APIs
- **Protobuf Web API**: Using Protocol Buffers in ASP.NET Core

#### Code Quality
- **Stop NullReferenceExceptions**: Nullable reference types and null safety patterns
- **C# Code Rules**: Configuring and enforcing code analysis rules
- **Code Quality with Analyzers**: Setting up static analysis in .NET projects

#### Architecture
- **Choose ASP.NET Core**: Why ASP.NET Core is the right choice for new projects
- **Entity Framework Core SQL**: Understanding and optimizing generated queries
- **Delegates with DI**: Using delegates as dependencies in IoC containers

#### Migration & Upgrades
- **Upgrade to .NET 6**: Step-by-step migration guide from .NET Framework
- **Cross-Platform C# UI**: Comparing Avalonia, Uno Platform, MAUI, and Blazor

### Software Development Practices

#### Testing Philosophy
- **Mutation Testing**: Using mutation testing to measure test effectiveness
- **Test Coverage**: Understanding what code coverage metrics really mean
- **Test Isolation Costs**: The trade-offs of isolated unit tests vs integration tests

#### Process & Methodology
- **Fortnightly Waterfall (Scrum Critique)**: Analysis of common Scrum anti-patterns
- **How to Hire Developers**: Practical guide to technical interviews and evaluation
- **Cross-Platform vs Native**: When to choose cross-platform frameworks

#### AI & Modern Development
- **AI Agent Development Introduction**: Getting started with building AI agents
- **Building Apps with ChatGPT**: Using AI assistants for Flutter development
- **Leveraging AI for App Development**: Practical AI integration strategies

## Technical Expertise

### Languages & Frameworks
- Dart, Flutter
- C#, .NET Core, ASP.NET Core
- F# (functional programming)
- TypeScript, JavaScript
- Rust (for performance-critical tools)

### Platforms & Cloud
- iOS and Android mobile development
- Azure (App Service, Functions, Cosmos DB)
- Google Cloud (Cloud Run, Firebase)
- AWS (Lambda, DynamoDB)

### Specializations
- Widget and integration testing
- Cross-platform architecture
- API design and REST best practices
- CI/CD pipeline configuration
- Open source library development

## Contact Information

- **Website**: https://christianfindlay.com
- **Company**: [Nimblesite](https://www.nimblesite.co) - Melbourne Flutter Agency
- **GitHub**: [MelbourneDeveloper](https://github.com/MelbourneDeveloper)
- **LinkedIn**: [christian-findlay](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-findlay/)
- **Twitter/X**: [@CFDevelop](https://twitter.com/CFDevelop)
- **YouTube**: [Channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBEdRhnuksiUnLonJT9lIaw)
- **Location**: Melbourne, Australia

## All Blog Posts

### Flutter
- [Full App Widget Testing](/blog/flutter_full_app_widget_testing)
- [Run Widget Tests as Integration Tests](/blog/flutter-integration-tests)
- [Mock Functions for Testing](/blog/flutter-mock-functions-for-testing)
- [Reactive Programming with Signals, Riverpod and RxDart](/blog/flutter-rx-signals-riverpod-rxdart)
- [Breaking BLoC Rules](/blog/flutter-breaking-bloc-rules)
- [State Management Components](/blog/flutter-state-management-components)
- [Mastering Material Design 3](/blog/flutter-mastering-material-design3)
- [Material Design 3 Rounded Buttons](/blog/flutter_material_design_3_rounded_buttons)
- [Flutter Navigation Drawer](/blog/flutter-navigation-drawer)
- [Add Search Bar to AppBar](/blog/flutter-search-bar)
- [Basic Animations with Tweens](/blog/basic-flutter-animations-with-tweens)
- [Hexadecimal Colors](/blog/flutter-hexadecimal-colors)
- [Flutter First Impressions](/blog/flutter-first-impressions)
- [Flutter for Startups](/blog/flutter-startups)
- [Build Your First App with ChatGPT](/blog/flutter-chatgpt)

### Dart
- [Dart 3 Records and Futures](/blog/dart-records-and-futures)
- [Dart Switch Expressions](/blog/dart-switch-expressions)
- [Dart Algebraic Data Types](/blog/dart-algebraic-data-types)
- [Dart Immutable Collections](/blog/dart-immutable-collections)
- [Dart Extension Methods](/blog/flutter-dart-extensions)
- [Dart Classes for C# Programmers](/blog/dart-classes)
- [Dart Formatting and Trailing Commas](/blog/dart-formatting-and-trailing-commas)
- [Immutability: Dart vs F#](/blog/immutability-dart-vs-fsharp)

### .NET
- [RestClient.Net](/blog/restclient-net)
- [RestClient.Net 3.0](/blog/restclient-net-3-0)
- [RestClient.Net 4.0](/blog/restclient-net-4-0)
- [RestClient.Net 5](/blog/restclient-net-5)
- [RestClient.Net 7](/blog/restclient-net-7)
- [Device.Net 3.0](/blog/device-net-3-0)
- [Device.Net 4.0](/blog/device-net-4)
- [Device.Net Project Status](/blog/device-net-project-status)
- [ASP.NET Core Minimal Webhooks](/blog/asp-dotnet-core-minimal-webhooks)
- [Choose ASP.NET Core in 2021](/blog/choose-asp-net-core-in-2021)
- [Upgrade to .NET 6](/blog/upgrade-to-net-6)
- [Stop NullReferenceExceptions](/blog/stop-nullreferenceexceptions)
- [C# Code Quality](/blog/c-code-quality-part-1)
- [C# Code Rules](/blog/code-rules)
- [C# String Interpolation](/blog/c-string-interpolation)
- [C# Serial Port Access](/blog/c-serial-port-access-windows)
- [C# Delegates with DI](/blog/c-delegates-with-ioc-containers-and-dependency-injection)
- [Change Record Constructor Behavior](/blog/change-behavior-of-record-constructor)
- [ILogger Usage and Testing](/blog/ilogger)
- [ILogger and Null Object Pattern](/blog/ilogger-nullobject)
- [INotifyPropertyChanged](/blog/inotifypropertychanged)
- [Entity Framework Core SQL](/blog/sql-generated-by-entity-framework-core)
- [How to Use F# from C#](/blog/how-to-use-fsharp-and-csharp)
- [Cross-Platform C# UI Technologies](/blog/cross-platform-c-ui-technologies)
- [Cross-Platform C# UI Part 2](/blog/csharp-crossplatform-2)
- [Cross-Platform USB and HID](/blog/cross-platform-usb-and-hid-programming)
- [C# and gRPC](/blog/c-and-grpc-part-one)
- [C# and WebAssembly](/blog/c-and-webassembly-wasm)
- [Blazor vs React/Angular/Vue](/blog/blazor-vs-react-angular-vue-js)
- [Blazor vs Traditional Web Apps](/blog/blazor-vs-traditional-web-apps)
- [Blazor WebAssembly Rest Client](/blog/blazor-webassembly-rest-client)
- [Protobuf Web API in C#](/blog/protobuf-web-api-in-c)
- [.NET Standard](/blog/net-standard)
- [.NET Application Frameworks](/blog/net-application-frameworks-part-1)
- [Sign Assembly in Visual Studio](/blog/net-how-to-sign-an-assembly-in-visual-studio-2019)
- [Source Link with NuGet](/blog/source-link-nuget-azure-pipelines)

### Software Development
- [Mutation Testing](/blog/mutation-testing)
- [Test Coverage](/blog/test-coverage)
- [Test Isolation is Expensive](/blog/test-isolation-expensive)
- [How to Hire Good Developers](/blog/how-to-hire-good-software-developers)
- [Cross-Platform vs Native Apps](/blog/cross-platform-vs-native)
- [Anti-patterns: A Misused Term](/blog/anti-patterns)
- [Fortnightly Waterfall (Scrum)](/blog/fornightly-waterfall)
- [Performance vs Scalability](/blog/performance-vs-scalability)
- [Separate Business Logic and Presentation](/blog/separate-business-logic-and-presentation)
- [N-Tier Architecture Mistake](/blog/ntier-mistake)
- [Buy a Computer for Cross-Platform Dev](/blog/buy-crossplatform-dev-computer)
- [Google Cloud Run](/blog/google-cloud-run)
- [Independent Developer vs Consultancy](/blog/independent-software-developer-vs-software-consultancy)
- [Stateful Factory Pattern](/blog/stateful_factory_pattern)
- [Rx Hot vs Cold Observables](/blog/rx-hot-vs-cold)

### App Deployment
- [App Store Deployment](/blog/app-store-deployment)
- [App Store Deployment - Backend First](/blog/app-store-deployment-back-end-first)
- [Backend-Frontend Versioning](/blog/back-end-front-end-versioning)
- [API Versioning: Mandatory Columns](/blog/api-versioning-mandatory-columns)
- [Investing in Mobile Apps 2024](/blog/investing-in-mobile-apps-2024)
- [Mobile App Success 2024](/blog/mobile-app-success-2024)

### AI & Tools
- [Introduction to AI Agent Development](/blog/intro-ai-agent-dev)
- [Leveraging AI to Build Apps](/blog/leveraging-ai-to-build-apps)
- [AI Content Policy](/blog/ai-writing)
- [Screen Gaslighting](/blog/screen-gaslighting)

### Other Projects
- [ioc_container for Flutter](/blog/ioc-container-v1)
- [USB Flutter .NET](/blog/usb-flutter-dotnet)
- [Reviving Charts for Flutter](/blog/reviving-charts-flutter)
- [Papilio](/blog/papilio-1)
- [Uno Platform Multitargeting](/blog/uno-multitargeting)
- [Uno Platform Course](/blog/uno-platform-course)
- [xUnit Strongly Typed Test Data](/blog/xunit-strongly-typed-test-data)
- [Visual Studio Break on Exceptions](/blog/visual-studio-break-on-all-exceptions)
- [System.Text.Json Rest Client](/blog/system-text-json-rest-client)
- [Submodules vs NuGet](/blog/submodules-vs-nuget)