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Programming C#

Programming C#

Building .NET Applications with C#
by Jesse Liberty 2001 644 pages
3.69
100+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. C# and .NET Framework: A powerful combination for modern software development

"C# is an excellent language for .NET development. You will find it is an extremely versatile, robust and well-designed language."

Language features. C# is a modern, object-oriented programming language designed for building applications on the .NET Framework. It combines the power of C++ with the simplicity of Visual Basic, offering features like garbage collection, type safety, and extensive library support. The .NET Framework provides a consistent programming model across various platforms, enabling developers to create applications for desktop, web, and mobile environments.

Development environment. Visual Studio.NET serves as the primary integrated development environment (IDE) for C# programming. It offers powerful tools for coding, debugging, and deployment, making it easier for developers to create complex applications. The combination of C# and .NET Framework allows for rapid application development while maintaining high performance and scalability.

2. Object-Oriented Programming: The foundation of C# design and functionality

"The huge advantage of classes in object-oriented programming is that they encapsulate the characteristics and capabilities of an entity in a single, self-contained and self-sustaining unit of code."

Core concepts. Object-oriented programming (OOP) is central to C# design, focusing on creating reusable and modular code. The main principles of OOP in C# include:

  • Encapsulation: Bundling data and methods that operate on that data within a single unit (class)
  • Inheritance: Creating new classes based on existing ones, promoting code reuse
  • Polymorphism: Allowing objects of different types to be treated as objects of a common base type

Benefits. OOP in C# promotes better code organization, easier maintenance, and improved scalability of applications. It allows developers to model real-world entities and relationships more effectively, leading to more intuitive and maintainable software designs.

3. Data Types and Control Structures: Building blocks for robust C# applications

"C# is a strongly typed language. In a strongly typed language you must declare the type of each object you create (e.g., integers, floats, strings, windows, buttons, etc.) and the compiler will help you prevent bugs by enforcing that only data of the right type is assigned to those objects."

Type system. C# provides a rich set of built-in data types, including:

  • Value types: int, float, double, bool, char, struct
  • Reference types: string, object, arrays, classes

The language also supports user-defined types through classes, structs, and enums. Strong typing helps catch errors at compile-time, improving code reliability.

Control structures. C# offers familiar control structures for managing program flow:

  • Conditional statements: if, else, switch
  • Loops: for, while, do-while, foreach
  • Jump statements: break, continue, return, goto

These constructs, combined with C#'s type system, enable developers to create efficient and error-resistant code.

4. Classes and Objects: Encapsulating data and behavior in C#

"Classes define new types and allow the programmer to extend the language so that you can better model the problem you're trying to solve."

Class structure. In C#, classes serve as blueprints for creating objects. They encapsulate:

  • Fields: Data members of the class
  • Properties: Special methods for accessing fields
  • Methods: Functions that define the behavior of the class
  • Constructors: Special methods for initializing objects

Object lifecycle. C# manages object creation and destruction:

  • Objects are instantiated using the new keyword
  • Garbage collection automatically handles memory management
  • Destructors and the IDisposable interface allow for custom cleanup operations

Classes and objects form the backbone of C# programming, enabling developers to create complex, modular, and reusable code structures.

5. Inheritance and Polymorphism: Extensibility and flexibility in C# programming

"Inheritance and polymorphism are tightly coupled concepts because flexible event handling requires that the response to the event be dispatched to the appropriate event handler."

Inheritance. C# supports single inheritance, allowing a class to inherit from one base class. This promotes code reuse and the creation of hierarchical relationships between classes. Key concepts include:

  • Base and derived classes
  • Virtual and override keywords for method overriding
  • Abstract classes and interfaces for defining contracts

Polymorphism. C# implements polymorphism through:

  • Method overriding: Derived classes can provide specific implementations of base class methods
  • Method overloading: Multiple methods with the same name but different parameters
  • Interfaces: Allowing objects of different types to be treated uniformly

These features enable developers to write more flexible and extensible code, facilitating easier maintenance and scalability of applications.

6. Delegates and Events: Enabling loose coupling and event-driven programming

"Delegates provide the flexibility to determine dynamically which methods will be called, in what order, and how often."

Delegates. C# delegates are type-safe function pointers that enable:

  • Callback mechanisms
  • Implementation of the observer pattern
  • Late binding of method calls

They serve as the foundation for event handling in C#.

Events. Built on delegates, events in C# allow for:

  • Loose coupling between objects
  • Implementation of the publish-subscribe pattern
  • Creation of responsive, event-driven applications

The combination of delegates and events is particularly powerful for creating interactive user interfaces and managing complex application workflows.

7. Windows Forms: Creating interactive desktop applications with C#

"Windows Forms use the metaphor of a form. This idea was borrowed from the wildly successful Visual Basic (VB) environment and supports Rapid Application Development (RAD)."

RAD approach. Windows Forms provide a rapid application development platform for creating desktop applications. Key features include:

  • Drag-and-drop design surface
  • Rich set of pre-built controls (buttons, text boxes, grids, etc.)
  • Event-driven programming model

Application structure. Windows Forms applications typically consist of:

  • Forms: The main container for UI elements
  • Controls: UI components placed on forms
  • Event handlers: Methods that respond to user actions

This framework allows developers to quickly create sophisticated desktop applications with rich user interfaces and complex functionality.

8. ADO.NET: Efficient data access and management in C# applications

"ADO.NET is a disconnected data architecture. In a disconnected architecture, data is retrieved from a database and cached on your local machine."

Data access model. ADO.NET provides a comprehensive set of classes for working with data:

  • Connection: Establishes database connections
  • Command: Executes SQL commands or stored procedures
  • DataSet: In-memory cache of data
  • DataAdapter: Bridges between DataSet and data source

Benefits. The disconnected architecture of ADO.NET offers several advantages:

  • Improved scalability by reducing database connections
  • Better performance through local data caching
  • Flexibility in working with multiple data sources

ADO.NET, combined with C#, enables developers to create efficient, scalable, and robust data-driven applications.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C# about?

  • Comprehensive Guide: The book offers a detailed tutorial on C# programming within the .NET framework, covering both fundamental and advanced concepts.
  • Structured Learning: It is divided into three parts: C# language basics, writing .NET programs, and using C# with the .NET CLR, allowing for progressive learning.
  • Target Audience: Aimed at both beginners and experienced programmers, it provides insights into C# and .NET development, even for those with no prior programming experience.

Why should I read Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C#?

  • Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers a wide range of topics, from basic syntax to advanced features like delegates and ADO.NET, making it a valuable resource.
  • Practical Approach: Each chapter includes practical examples and exercises, reinforcing concepts through hands-on learning.
  • Expert Guidance: Written by Jesse Liberty, a respected author, it offers insights and best practices to help avoid common pitfalls in C# programming.

What are the key takeaways of Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C#?

  • Object-Oriented Programming: Emphasizes principles like encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, crucial for effective C# programming.
  • .NET Framework Utilization: Guides on leveraging the .NET framework for building robust applications, including desktop and web applications.
  • Error Handling and Debugging: Covers exception handling and debugging techniques, essential for enhancing application quality.

What are the best quotes from Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C# and what do they mean?

  • Structured Learning: "Begin at the beginning, and go on till you come to the end: then stop." This quote emphasizes a structured approach to learning programming.
  • C# Evolution: "C# is a new language, but it draws on the lessons learned over the past three decades." It reassures readers that existing programming knowledge is beneficial.
  • C# Purpose: "The goal of C# is to provide a simple, safe, modern, object-oriented, Internet-centric, high-performance language for .NET development." This encapsulates C#'s essence and purpose.

How does Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C# explain object-oriented programming concepts?

  • Classes and Objects: Defines classes as blueprints for objects, emphasizing data and behavior encapsulation within classes.
  • Inheritance and Polymorphism: Explains creating derived classes and overriding methods for code reuse and flexibility, with polymorphism allowing derived class objects to be treated as base class objects.
  • Interfaces and Abstract Classes: Discusses differences and usage scenarios, crucial for designing extensible and maintainable code.

What are the C# language fundamentals covered in Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C#?

  • Data Types and Variables: Discusses built-in data types, variable declaration, and initialization, essential for writing effective C# code.
  • Control Structures: Covers conditional statements and loops, crucial for creating dynamic and responsive applications.
  • Methods and Parameters: Explains method definitions, parameters, and method overloading, vital for structuring code and creating reusable components.

How does Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C# approach event handling?

  • Delegates and Events: Explains the relationship between delegates and events, emphasizing their role in creating responsive applications.
  • Event Lifecycle: Covers subscribing to and unsubscribing from events, essential for managing event-driven programming.
  • Practical Examples: Provides examples of event handling, demonstrating implementation in real-world applications.

What is ADO.NET and how is it used in Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C#?

  • Data Access Framework: ADO.NET provides a rich data access model for interacting with databases, covered extensively in the book.
  • Disconnected Architecture: Emphasizes ADO.NET's architecture for efficient data handling, useful for high-performance applications.
  • Practical Implementation: Includes examples of using ADO.NET to create DataSets, DataTables, and DataAdapters for data-driven applications.

How does Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C# explain threading?

  • Threading Basics: Introduces threads as lightweight processes for multitasking within applications.
  • Synchronization Techniques: Covers locks and monitors to manage shared resource access and prevent race conditions.
  • Practical Examples: Provides code examples for creating and managing threads, ensuring practical application of concepts.

What is SOAP and how is it used in Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C#?

  • Definition of SOAP: SOAP is a protocol for exchanging structured information in web services, based on XML.
  • Integration with .NET: Explains implementing SOAP in .NET applications for system communication over the internet.
  • WSDL and Discovery: Discusses using WSDL to describe services and how clients can discover and interact with them.

How does Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C# address error handling?

  • Exception Handling Mechanisms: Covers throwing and catching exceptions, emphasizing robust error handling in development.
  • Best Practices: Advises on managing exceptions, including logging errors and providing user feedback.
  • Practical Examples: Demonstrates implementing try-catch blocks and managing exceptions in real-world applications.

What are the differences between structs and classes in C# as explained in Programming C#: Building .NET Applications with C#?

  • Value Types vs. Reference Types: Structs are value types stored on the stack, while classes are reference types stored on the heap, affecting memory management.
  • Inheritance: Structs do not support inheritance, limiting their use to simpler data structures, unlike classes.
  • Default Constructor: Structs cannot have a custom default constructor, while classes can, affecting initialization.

Review Summary

3.69 out of 5
Average of 100+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Programming C# receives mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.67/5 from 193 readers. Some praise it as a solid foundation for learning C#, particularly for those familiar with other .NET languages. It's noted as a good reference for Windows application programming. However, some readers mistook it for a C++ book. The O'Reilly series is commended for its effectiveness in teaching new programming languages. A few reviewers found it helpful for quickly grasping C# concepts, while others skipped sections or used it primarily as a reference.

Your rating:
4.27
34 ratings

About the Author

Jesse Liberty is a prolific author and experienced software professional with a career spanning three decades. He has written numerous books and created online courses for platforms like Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning. Liberty has held significant positions in the tech industry, including roles at Microsoft, AT&T, Citibank, and PBS. Currently working for CNH developing APIs, he is also a Microsoft MVP. His expertise covers various programming languages and technologies, with a focus on .NET and C#. Liberty's latest book on .NET MAUI was published in 2023, and he has another book on API development scheduled for 2025.

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