Session Abstract

Most Power Platform makers have heard the phrase "fusion development" but haven't crossed the line yet. Visual Studio Code can feel like a developer tool, and not a maker tool. In this session I hope to change that perception. Visual Studio Code is not that scary! In this hands-on intro, I'll walk you through setting up Visual Studio Code specifically for Power Platform work: what extensions matter, how to connect GitHub Copilot and Claude Code as your agentic pair-programmers, how to add and create skills, and how MCP servers can wire your AI tools directly into your Power Platform environment. We'll look at how makers like yourselves can use natural language to build code-first Power Apps, single-page application websites, and generative pages, all without needing to memorize complex syntax or switch mental models entirely. This isn't a "here's what's theoretically possible" session. It's a practical starting point for Power Platform makers who want to move faster, build more ambitious things, and get on the AI wave that's already reshaping the pro-code world. This is for Power Platform makers who want to take their first serious step into code-first development, no prior Visual Studio Code experience required! Are you ready to make the leap?

Nick Doelman

Nick is an independent Power Platform specialist, trainer and coach. Nick delivers presentations, workshops and collaborates on Power Platform, Power Pages, and Dynamics CRM/365 projects worldwide. From 2021 to 2023, Nick worked as a Senior Content Developer at Microsoft where he worked on documentation and learning content for Power Pages, Power Automate, and other parts of the Power Platform. Nick has been awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) and is a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) since 2019. Nick is a cohost on the Power Platform BOOST podcast with MVP Ulrikke Akerbæk. Nick is also a competitive Powerlifter and is a member of Team Canada competing at various international events. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickdoelman/ https://bsky.app/profile/readyxrm.bsky.social