Bob James
@init_bobjames
Building a Grounded AI Agent on Microsoft Foundry
A Real Build Log From the Microsoft Agent-a-thon: SharePoint Gaps Closed, a Wide Microsoft Stack Explored, and Verifiable DevRel Proof to Show for It
We set out to build a grounded, SharePoint-connected AI agent on Microsoft Foundry for the Microsoft Agent-a-thon. A wide tour of the Microsoft stack.
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Articles by Bob James
Building a Grounded AI Agent on Microsoft Foundry
A Real Build Log From the Microsoft Agent-a-thon: SharePoint Gaps Closed, a Wide Microsoft Stack Explored, and Verifiable DevRel Proof to Show for It
We set out to build a grounded, SharePoint-connected AI agent on Microsoft Foundry for the Microsoft Agent-a-thon. A wide tour of the Microsoft stack.
Why Python's Path.home() Returns the Wrong Directory in MSYS2 MinGW64 Bash
How to Fix Python's Path.home() in MSYS2 MinGW Bash
Running Python in MinGW64 bash and getting `C:/Users/Bob` from `Path.home()`? Here's why MSYS2_ARG_CONV_EXCL won't help and the one-line fix that gives Python the right home directory.
Divining for Code: How LLMs Mirror the Ancient Art of Dowsing
The Modern Developer's Mystical Practice
Whether you're searching for water or crafting code, the key isn't understanding every mechanism of your tools, it's learning to use them skillfully and validate their output effectively.
Next.js 15 Features
Exploring the new features in Next.js 15
A comprehensive look at what's new in Next.js 15, including React 19 support, improved performance, and new APIs.
Navigating Global Sales Tax for SaaS Founders
EU VAT, US Sales Tax and Merchant of Record Options for Founders Selling Digital Products From Outside the EU and US
I set out to add a simple paid waitlist to my indie projects and ended up reading EU regulations and US state tax tables. Here's everything I found about EU VAT, US sales tax and Merchants of Record, organized so you can make the same decision faster than I did.
How to Backup Your Supabase Database for Free
The Guide to Creating Database Backups Without Paid Plans
Learn how to backup your Supabase database using pg_dump and PostgreSQL tools, even on the free tier. Includes troubleshooting common connection issues and step-by-step instructions.
BJSL EULA v1
Bob James Software License and End User License Agreement
This is the first publicly released version of the Bob James Software Licence ("BJSL"), making our Software available free of charge for binary use and redistribution under the terms.
The Problem with Npm Install
Why npm ci Could Save Your Production Builds (and Your Sanity)
Discover why npm install creates inconsistent builds and how npm ci provides the reproducible, secure deployments your production environment desperately needs.
PowerShell Commands for Checking Windows Executable Properties
Inspecting Windows executable files (`.exe`) for their properties
Useful PowerShell commands when you need to inspect your newly built .EXEs
IIFE (Immediately Invoked Function Expression): A Complete Guide
Define and execute JavaScript functions immediately
Creating a private scope for your code, preventing variable pollution and naming conflicts in the global scope with IIFE.