I have a lot of experience with C++ and have used many other languages (Java, Smalltalk, etc.). What is the best book to learn C# without having to be told what a variable is, what classes are, etc.? I'm specifically interested in C# 3.0 but books that only cover the older specs are also acceptable.
A:
Coming to C# from C++ I just read MSDN: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/kx37x362.aspx
ChrisW
2009-02-10 07:17:43
+1 for CLR via C#.
Ruben Steins
2009-02-10 07:23:07
CLR via C# is a great book, there's no doubt about it - but I don't think it's the best choice as a first book in this particular case. +1 for linking to my book reviews though - I didn't even think of that :)
Jon Skeet
2009-02-10 07:25:26
Great book for sure, but it only covers C# 2.0.
Brian Rasmussen
2009-02-10 07:35:38
yes, thats why I sent the list of reviews from @Jon Skeet, namely I think the recommendation most adequate being: http://msmvps.com/blogs/jon_skeet/archive/2008/08/01/book-review-accelerated-c-2008-by-trey-nash.aspx
Ric Tokyo
2009-02-10 07:38:29
it`s more about framework that about C# itself. but I agree - great one.
chester89
2009-04-17 16:59:49
+16
A:
Someone else may end up mentioning my own book, C# in Depth - but this isn't quite the book you're looking for. It only covers C# 2 and 3, without going through C# 1 to start with, and it doesn't cover the framework libraries (except for a bit about LINQ).
I think in this case C# 3.0 in a Nutshell may be your best bet. Of course, I'd love to recommend that you get C# in Depth after you've read your first C# book :)
Jon Skeet
2009-02-10 07:24:26
Quite possibly, but I suspect they'd have an easier time of it if they at least *skimmed* a C# 1 book first.
Jon Skeet
2009-02-10 09:11:02
Your book is one I was considering. I'll make it my second book instead of my first.
Steve Rowe
2009-02-11 01:35:09
+1
A:
I find the More Effective C#: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your C# by Bill Wagner to be on the advanced side.
Przemek
2009-02-10 07:24:54
+7
A:
C# 3.0 in a Nutshell will get you up to speed pretty quickly and its an excellent reference.
You may also want to check this question.
Brian Rasmussen
2009-02-10 07:34:57
+4
A:
A small, quick reference that is very helpful on the job. I've found it (well the original one) very helpful during my transition from Java to C#. It gave me a quick reference for the subtle difference between the languages.
It covers:
- Features new to C# 3.0, such as lambda expressions, anonymous types, automatic properties, and more
- All aspects of C# syntax, predefined types, expressions, and operators
- Creating classes, structs, delegates and events, enums, generics and constraints, exception handling, and iterators
- The subtleties of boxing, operating overloading, delegate covariance, extension method resolution, interface reimplementation, nullable types, and operating lifting
- LINQ, starting with the principles of sequences, deferred execution and standard query operators, and finishing with a complete reference to query syntax-including multiple generators, joining, grouping, and query continuations
- Consuming, writing, and reflecting on custom attributes
All that in an even more concise format than C# in a Nutshell
mezoid
2009-02-10 09:58:48
C# 3.0 in a Nutshell also provides a good overview of the core libraries though, which will be necessary to anyone new to .NET, IMO. Not saying that the Pocket Reference wouldn't be handy too :)
Jon Skeet
2009-02-10 10:20:11
true. which I guess is why I own both. But I must admit that I found I used the pocket reference more...particularly when a lot of my early questions were how do I declare this the C# way. I would keep the book at my desk and access it very frequently until I was comfortable coding in C#.
mezoid
2009-02-10 10:54:33
A:
The book lives up to it's title. It's brief, but has everything you need to know and is easy to read.
The book has an innovative format: the main text on even pages, examples on odd pages. S
John D. Cook
2009-02-10 12:11:34
+2
A:
My personal suggestions are as follows:
Fantastic book focusing on the C# language rather than the .NET framework itself.
This is another excellent book that amazingly seems to be easy enough for relative newbies to C# to understand, whilst still providing enough depth for more experienced programmers.
A great reference-style book for C# 3.0 and the new features of the .NET framework 3.5.
CraigTP
2009-02-10 12:28:24
+2
A:
i just switche from java to c# development and had a really nice time doing it because of the books i read.
first read Accelerated C# which is packed pretty tightly. i understood everything, but wasnt sure where to apply some of the advanced stuff that java doesnt offer. right after i finished reading it i started jon skeets C# in Depth which gave me what the title says. now i know when and how to use the advanced concepts and how they relate to each other and to the framework itself.
i really liked the combination of those two even if the overlap in some concepts, but thats just what makes it more clear to me.
LDomagala
2009-02-12 12:39:20
+1
A:
I really recommend pro c# and the net platform, it's currently on it's forth edition covering Net 3.5
http://www.amazon.com/2008-NET-Platform-Fourth-Windows-Net/dp/1590598849
Almond
2009-02-12 12:45:46
A:
Check out my list of good recently published books related to .NET development:
Koistya Navin
2009-03-25 21:47:54
A:
I'm surprised this book hasn't been mentioned. It's unfortunately been roundly ignored, but I'm constantly referring to it: Advanced .NET Programming by Simon Robinson. It's out of print but you can get it on Amazon.
Kevin Won
2010-01-25 21:00:05