This book is for busy programmers who want a succinct and yet readable guide to C# 3.0 and LINQ. C# 3.0 Pocket Reference tells you exactly what you need to know, without long introductions or bloated samples. Despite its conciseness, this book doesn't skimp on depth or detail, and embraces the conceptual challenges in learning C# 3.0 and LINQ. Tightly focused and highly practical, this pocket reference covers more ground than many of the big books on C#. C# 3.0 Pocket Reference includes plenty of illustrations and code examples to explain:

• Features new to C# 3.0, such as lambda expressions, anonymous types, automatic properties, and more

• All aspects of C# syntax, predefined types, expressions, and operators

• Creating classes, structs, delegates and events, enums, generics and constraints, exception handling, and iterators

• The subtleties of boxing, operating overloading, delegate covariance, extension method resolution, interface reimplementation, nullable types, and operating lifting

• LINQ, starting with the principles of sequences, deferred execution and standard query operators, and finishing with a complete reference to query syntax-including multiple generators, joining, grouping, and query continuations

• Consuming, writing, and reflecting on custom attributes

You'll also find chapters on unsafe code and pointers, preprocessor directives, XML documentation, and a framework overview. If you're already familiar with Java, C++, or an earlier version of C#, C# 3.0 Pocket Reference is an ideal choice. No other book or online resource can get you up to speed so quickly.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 8 Ratings

Quick and Effective - 2008-12-26
Reviewer Rating:
This book can be used by those who may have little prior knowledge of C#, but some general programming experience or as a quick reference for those familiar with C#. The reader will find page after page dedicated to quick, short topics in C# 3.0.

This is not a programming tutorial, it is quick and easy reference for the C# 3.0 language. If the reader wants an in depth book on C#, this is not the book. If you are looking for short, concise information about C# 3.0, this is a great little book.

Topics are explain in one or two brief paragraphs. Enough information to understand the topic without overloading the reader with details. The code examples are short and to the point.

awesome - 2009-10-22
Reviewer Rating:
i carry this in my backpack. Whenever, I want quick answer to something that is nagging me, I pull this little treasure out on the train on my way to work. Very readable and concise reference.

Carry it everywehre and be prepared - 2009-08-21
Reviewer Rating:
Like many I have a lot of books mostly on .NET development and C++ but I don't "read" them I use them as a reference when I need to. The biggest problem is they are big and I don't carry my book bag everywhere I go.

So this book fulfills a need. No this is not a bible for C# and if you think it'll have every element of the C# language your in for a surprise. This book is for those times you need a reminder of how maybe a access modifier is used or when and how to use var. I carry it on the plane, train and in the car because problem solving doesn't stop when you shut down your computer. It is almost impossible to remember every single part to C# 3.0 so this is great for lite studying.

I recommend this book to newbie developers and also intermediate to advanced developers who just need that boost to get them through a nagging problem with there code.

Lastly, In order to be on top of your game (and expand your shelf life) you need to study and practice EVERYDAY and this book makes for a great study companion.

Excellent book for the intended audience - 2009-07-03
Reviewer Rating:
This is an excellent book for the intended audience.

I believe this book is intended as a reference for those who already know C# (or perhaps similar languages). I'd never used C# before but had no trouble following the book because of my familiarity with C/C++. However, if you're new to C# and looking for a tutorial I recommend you look elsewhere; that's not what this book is for.

For me, without a C# background, this book explained C# language features well enough that I don't expect to buy any additional C# books.

The book contains only a short overview of the .NET framework. You'd need a *much* larger book to cover that topic in detail. The book focuses only on the actual language features and packs a lot of information into 200 pages.

Smallest C# book I know but don't judge the book by its size, it's full of good information - 2008-11-22
Reviewer Rating:
I like this small book for its size and clear explanation. Quick reference when I am not connected to the Internet. I also write down things I forget all the time so I can find them quickly. With so many big C# book available on the market, but who wants to carry them around.

The C# 3.0 in a Nutshell is also recommended. It covers a lot more and a lot heavier so I usually keep it on my desk instead.

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