C# is a modern, object-oriented language, designed by Microsoft to be the language of choice for programming the .NET Framework. .NET provides a new environment for developing almost any Windows-based or web-based application.
By taking the "Fast Track" to C#, you have a compact guide to this new world. Spanning an extensive range of topics, this book presents a tutorial to the C# language itself, and then takes you deeper into programming the .NET Framework.
Fast Track C# delivers the information you need to exploit this exciting new environment, and to start building real-world applications as quickly as possible.
This book will help you to quickly learn about the following:
- Understand what C# is, and how it fits into the .NET Framework
- A concise introduction to all the main features of the C# language, with Java and C++ comparisons noted
- Using the .NET base classes
- Writing and deploying Windows applications with C# and Visual Studio .NET
- Creating and configuring .NET assemblies
- Accessing databases with ADO.NET, and using XML in C#
- Integrating your existing COM components with the .NET Framework
- COM+ Services in the .NET Framework
- Building web applications with ASP.NET pages
- Creating web services in C#
Aimed at the experienced developer making the leap to C# and .NET,
Fast Track C# provides a concise and spot-on treatment of the subject that will let any veteran developer get going with Microsoft's latest programming language and platform quickly.
This text's compact and fast-moving format makes it a strong choice for getting acquainted with the C# language. Without getting bogged down in every detail of .NET, the authors cover the platform's essential features and advantages before delving into one of the best available language-based tutorials on C#. From data types and keywords to basic and advanced class design options, there's good coverage of all the relevant bases here. These sections will be all the competent C/C++ or Java programmer needs to know for getting started with C#.
The rest of the book targets essential .NET APIs so that you can get started on your own projects. The focus is on key concepts rather than total coverage--just what the experienced programmer needs.
Coverage of string, file I/O, and new support for XML introduces new important .NET APIs. Sections on building client-side applications with Windows Forms are followed by basic Web programming with ASP.NET. We liked the approach to ADO.NET offered here, which shows off some must-know programming techniques (plus a grid example), but without drowning in detail with this complex set of classes. The text rounds off with a discussion of Web services, surveying the relevant XML standards and some common options here.
Overall, this title puts C# within reach with its admirably concise presentation of essential C# language features and core .NET APIs. It's a winning combination, one that will meet the needs of anyone with some previous Windows programming experience in the C/C++ family of languages. It's also a good bet for the advanced VB programmer who is considering a switch to C# instead of VB .NET as the next step in his or her learning curve. --Richard Dragan
