Head First C#: A Learner's Guide to Real-World Programming with C#, XAML, and .NET

Head First C# is a complete learning experience for learning how to program with C#, XAML, the .NET Framework, and Visual Studio. Fun and highly visual, this introduction to C# is designed to keep you engaged and entertained from first page to last. Updated for Windows 8.1 and Visual Studio 2013, and includes projects for all previous versions of Windows (included in the book, no additional downloading or printing required).

You’ll build a fully functional video game in the opening chapter, and then learn how to use classes and object-oriented programming, draw graphics and animation, and query data with LINQ and serialize it to files. And you'll do it all by creating games, solving puzzles, and doing hands-on projects. By the time you're done, you'll be a solid C# programmer―and you'll have a great time along the way!

• Create a fun arcade game in the first chapter, and build games and other projects throughout the book
• Learn how to use XAML to design attractive and interactive pages and windows
• Build modern Windows Store apps using the latest Microsoft technology
• Learn WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) using the downloadable WPF Learner's Guide
• Using the Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) pattern to create robust architecture
• Build a bonus Windows Phone project and run it in the Visual Studio Windows Phone emulator

Projects in the book work with all editions of Visual Studio, including the free Express editions.

Jennifer Greene is an agile coach, development manager, business analyst, project manager, tester, speaker, and authority on software engineering practices and principles. She’s been building software for over twenty years in many different domains including media, finance, and IT consulting. She’s worked with teams of excellent developers and testers to tackle tough technical problems and focused her career on finding and fixing the habitual process issues that crop up along the way.

Andrew Stellman is a developer, architect, speaker, agile coach, project manager, and expert in building better software. He has over two decades of professional experience building software, and has architected large-scale real-time back end systems, managed large international software teams, been a Vice President at a major investment bank, and consulted for companies, schools, and corporations, including Microsoft, the National Bureau of Economic Research, Bank of America, Notre Dame, and MIT. He's had the privilege of working with some pretty amazing programmers during that time, and likes to think that he's learned a few things from them.