In an age in which “the network is the computer,” the .NET Framework has become a leading environment for which code is created. The premier language for .NET development is C#. Therefore, if .NET programming is in your future, you have chosen the right language to learn. Beyond its use for .NET programming, C# is important for another reason. Its innovative features are reshaping the programming world, changing the way code is written, and enabling solutions to be framed in new ways. Thus, C# is helping to define the future direction of programming. As a result, fluency in C# is no longer an option for the professional programmer. It has become a necessity. The purpose of this book is to teach you the fundamentals of C# programming. It uses a step-by-step approach complete with numerous examples and self tests. It assumes no previous programming experience. The book starts with the basics, such as how to compile and run a C# program. It then discusses the keywords, features, and constructs that comprise the C# language. By the time you finish, you will have a firm grasp of the essentials of C# programming.

As all programmers know, nothing stands still very long in the world of programming. C# is no exception. Since its creation in 2000, C# has undergone two major revisions, with each revision adding significant new features. At the time of this writing, the current version of C# is 3.0, and this is the version of C# described by this book. Therefore, this book includes coverage of C#’s newest features, including Language Integrated Query (LINQ) and lambda expressions. Of course, this beginner’s guide is just a starting point. C# is a very large language and involves more than just the keywords and syntax that define it. It also involves the use of a sophisticated set of libraries called the .NET Framework Class Library. This library is very large, and a complete discussion would require a book of its own. Although several of the classes defined by this library are discussed in this book, because of space limitations, most are not. To be a top-notch C# programmer implies mastery of this library, too. After completing this book, you will have the knowledge to explore this library and all other aspects of C#.