Abstract: A first exemplary method implementation for designing an application programming interface (API) includes: preparing multiple code samples for a core scenario, each respective code sample of the multiple code samples corresponding to a respective programming language of multiple programming languages; and deriving the API from the core scenario responsive to the multiple code samples. A second exemplary method for designing an API includes: selecting a core scenario for a feature area; writing at least one code sample for the core scenario; and deriving an API for the core scenario responsive to the at least one code sample. A third exemplary method for designing an API includes: deriving an API for a scenario responsive to at least one code sample written with regard to the scenario; performing one or more usability studies on the API utilizing multiple developers; and revising the API based on the one or more usability studies.

Abstract: Described is a mechanism for enabling software applications to be upgraded from a remote location without forcing an immediate termination or restart of the application. A starter component is associated with the application such that the starter component is executed on behalf of the application. When executed, the starter component launches an executable file associated with a current version of the application. An updater component then periodically polls a remote location to determine if a newer version of the application is available for download. If so, the updater component downloads the newer version of the application to local storage. The updater component then updates configuration information such that the newer version of the application is executed on subsequent launches of the application by the application starter component.