Best C# book

Hi!

I'm looking for the best C# book. I already know C++.

Which is the best according to you

Thanks.

Luca

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Best C# book

Niels A-J
Ok, thanks a lot for your replies.

I think I'll get both "A programmer's introduction to C#" and "Essential .NET Volume 1".

Luca
racka4279

Honestly, the 'best' book depends on what your goals are. Given that you already know C++, it is unlikely that a book focusing on the syntax of C# would be useful. Instead, I'd be trying to learn about the different classes in the Base Class Library and how they can be used to create various types of applications. If this sounds like what you're looking for, check out:

Applied Microsoft .NET Framework Programming - Jeffrey Richter

.NET Framework Standard Library Annotated Reference, Volume I and II - Brad Adams

Essential .NET, Volume 1 - Don Box

Keep in mind that these are all about the framework and are *not* about ASP.NET, Windows Forms development, Web Services, .NET Remoting, etc. They are explicitly about the .NET Framework and the classes that make up the BCL.

Hope that helps.
dctech

Get these in this order. . .

Programming C# : Building .NET Applications with C# Jesse Liberty (O'Reilly 0596006993)

Programming .Net Components Juval Lowy (O'Reilly 0596102070)

Advanced .Net Remoting 2nd Ed. Ingo Rammar/Mario Szpuszta (Apress 1590594177)
devender 1623
Ok. I've just ordered "Programming C#" by Jesse Liberty, even though it's been tough to choose. I chose that one when I read the sample chapter; I just liked the way Jesse Liberty explains the concepts and the nice and useful tip boxes for C++ programmers the author added to his book.

Thanks to everyone who has replied in this thread.

Luca
SanooD
If you are in fact looking for a book to learn the C# language, I would highly recommend Eric Gunnerson's A Programmer's Introduction to C# 2.0, Third Edition. I read the first edition many years ago and liked the fact that Eric assumed that I already knew a language like C++ or Java (which I did) and spent the time explaining how C# differs from (and improves on) the other languages. It's the best C# book that I"ve read that specifically targets folks already familiar with programming in other languages. Although I haven't read the third edition, Nick Wienholt has updated it for C# 2.0.
lbalogh
Having never read "Programming C#" by Jesse Liberty, I can't say whether it's a good book or not, though I've heard good things about Jesse. I have personally read "A Programmer's Introduction to C#" (admittedly 1st Edition) and I loved it because it got me started with C# fast. I didn't need a long-winded explanation of the uses of an switch/case statement. Just tell me that it's basically like C/C++/Java, except you can switch on strings. Great, that's what I need to know. So for people who already know how to program well in another language, I highly recommend it. Just my 3 cents worth. (Inflation, you know.)
EdCallahan
"Essential .NET, Volume 1" by Don Box and Chris Sells is excellent if you want to know the inner workings of the .NET Framework. I loved it, but don't expect a lot of nuts-and-bolts "this is how best to use the framework" type stuff. You want to know how to implement an object-oriented run-time or why .NET (and Java) decided on a single-inheritance structure, then the book is excellent. If you want to become proficient at ADO.NET, this book isn't going to help you. I still think it's a great book, but realize what you're getting. Also note that the book was written in the .NET Framework 1.0 days and hasn't been updated, though Don has considered it. So there are a few inaccuracies, but I would still whole-heartedly recommend it if you like low-level details.
Fabricio Voznika [MSFT]

generally, I love apress books. But looking at the reviews, I might suggest against the 'Programmers Introduction'

I highly recommend almost anything that Mr. Liberty writes.

I also want to reiterate that Lowys' .Net Components book is a true must have!!!

Both Liberty and Lowy also answer emails!

Apress has a couple of new C# books this month that look promising:

Pro .NET 2.0 Code and Design Standards in C#

Pro .NET 2.0 Windows Forms and Custom Controls in C#

The latter is by Matthew MacDonald and I love all his books!!!
Jessli
Also "Programming C#" suggested by Blair Allen Stark seems very good..."A programmer's introduction to C# 2.0" vs "Programming C#": which one
Best C# book

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