Illustrated C# 2008

By Daniel Solis

Book Overview

C# is the most influential language on the .NET platform. As Microsoft's preferred language it has established a solid user base over recent versions and is drawing in developers from older technologies at an ever increasing rate.

This book caters to that migrating audience. Developers already familiar with the basic concepts of a programming language (any programming language) often find the traditional compendium-based 'beginner's guides' heavy and difficult to read as they spend a lot of time explaining concepts the reader already understands from their previous technology.

Illustrated C# is an antidote to this. It packs the essentials of the C# language into just 600 pages, using an array of visual styles to provide a clear, fast, reference to the core of the technology. It's a book migrating developers can read in a day and grasp enough of the language to find their feet and move confidently onto the .NET platform.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590599543
• ISBN13: 9781590599549
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: Apress
• Length: 728 Pages
• Weight: 3.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 7.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Excellent book to transition from C++

Having programmed a lot in C++, it was time to learn C#. This book is an excellent and efficient solution for the C++ programmer (and likely also the Java programmer) wishing to come up to speed in C#. Most of the concepts and much of the C# syntax are similar to C++. Each C# concept is covered concisely and to the point - which means it is quick and easy for someone familiar with the general concepts to learn C# in a minimum of time. I did encounter a few oddities - the concept of a delegate is easy once I realized it is basically a C++ pointer to a function - but with C# safe type checking place. But I had to look at Microsoft's own documentation to pick that up. LINQ is a programmatic interface to databases - except none of the examples in the book use it to interface to a database. (For those who might be wondering about LINQ, the Language INtegerated Query is an SQL-like set of program statements for making SQL-like queries into data structures or databases. LINQ is not identical to SQL but close enough that SQL programmers will find this to be a straightforward introduction.) Illustrated C# is an introduction to C# - this is not a Windows programming text - if you are headed in that direction, you'll also need good Windows/Windows Forms reference as well. Overall, I was looking for a book to get me quickly from C++ to C# and this book is perfect to do that. I recommend this book to anyone with existing programming experience wishing to come up to speed quickly. If you have not programmed before, this is not your first book but probably your second or third.

Best book on C# for beginners !

I have many C# books and not much programming background. First of all, i have read "head first C#" half way through, "step by step visual C#" and also "pro C# 2008." I had difficulty following these books because they are dry on the material and at the same time don't present the material the way they should. What makes this books so special is that it has many example codes. For instance, chapter 6 has 14 example codes on classes and how they are used/accessed. I am half way through and it is amazing how much i have learned compared to other books. The book; however, doesn't go into GUI it basically doesn't deal with forms or WPF at all, all the programming is in the console. If you can only get one book on C# let this be it !

Excellent content and a quick read!

If you are like me, typically when I read a programming book or article, I feel compelled to download the code, and modify it slightly in order for the content to really "sink in". Remarkably, while reading this book, I rarely felt that to be necessary, as his code examples often fully "illustrated" the topic. The result was that I was able to read this book quickly, 2-3 chapters per sitting. I feel coverage of the main C# topics was excellent, as well as the order they were presented. His chapters on delegates, interfaces, and LINQ were especially good, with very little wasted time delving into esoteric areas that might be interesting, but not very useful. The only negative feedback I would offer is that occasionally topics were addressed to a general programming newbie audience, but I just skimmed those. In summary, my kudos to author Dan Solis, it's a terrific book!

Quick and Easy!

I'm in complete accord with all the other 5-star opinions of this book. Studying it seems less like reading a book than listening to a series of finely honed lectures---complete with great white-board work. I would be surprised if there's a better introduction to C#. Besides lucidly defining technical terms as he goes, the author demonstrates exceptional skill in the use of text markups and simple graphics. My only knit pick would be on what I consider his scant coverage of Refection and Events. But even if these chapters were missing, it would still be worth $30 and 5-stars.

Visualized C# 3.0

Finally someone who knows how to explain C# visually. Simple clear drawings help you understand the whole proces of compiling and executing code. If you think the "head first" books are over the top. You really should consider this "illustrated" version. In the "head first" books the graphices can be overwhelming while the illustrations in this book are just complementary to the text. I really love the "head first" books but I recommend them for learning something new but not as a reference book. I have read other books covering the third version of C# and I must say this book really stands out. It starts at the basics but in the same way simple things are explained the more complex issues are covered. It all seems equally simple. To be able to write it down like that is a gift. All in all highly recommended.