Managed Extensibility Framework (MEF) – Very slick, but is it just me?

The Managed Extensibility Framework, aka MEF, is this new library Microsoft has been working on that is used in many places to provide a common plugin like capability. As they say on the CodePlex site:

The Managed Extensibility Framework (MEF) is a new library in .NET that enables greater reuse of applications and components. Using MEF, .NET applications can make the shift from being statically compiled to dynamically composed. If you are building extensible applications, extensible frameworks and application extensions, then MEF is for you.
» www.codeplex.com/mef

So… very cool stuff and something we’ll be able to use across the board. If you’re interested in learning more, check out some videos on Channel9 and DNR TV. But something’s been bugging me about it: the name. Not the full name, but what everyone will call it: MEF. After listening to a DNR show with Glenn Block the other day, I just had to get this off my chest…

When we say MEF, it will sound like meth… as in methamphetamine. So what… we’ll now have classes on MEF and MEF labs (that take three days to complete, but at least you’ll be awake the whole time). Can you imagine what happens when students screw up the lab exercise? Man, MEF labs blow up bad in your face!

posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 6:09 PM

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# re: Managed Extensibility Framework (MEF) – Very slick, but is it just me? 2/17/2009 10:45 PM Becky Bertram

Maybe the 3 day labs will get done in just 1...

# re: Managed Extensibility Framework (MEF) – Very slick, but is it just me? 2/18/2009 11:08 AM Dubravko Bundalo

Well, at least you are not working with SCOM :-)

# re: Managed Extensibility Framework (MEF) – Very slick, but is it just me? 2/18/2009 11:58 AM Peter Seale

Glenn Block makes jokes about being a "MEF dealer," so hey, it's not just you.

Also in a more what-if sense, it would be interesting to see what SharePoint development could look like with more extension points powered by MEF and thus, shifting development from XML to code. Which is possible without MEF I guess, so maybe my what-if scenario doesn't have anything to do with MEF after all.

Anyway, all-code (no XML, no XSL) SharePoint development could be nice.

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