This is a concise yet thorough reference to C# 3.0 programming as implemented in Microsoft's Visual Studio 2008. C# 3.0 in a Nutshell gets right to the point, covering the essentials of language syntax and usage as well as the parts of the .NET base class libraries you need to build working applications. But unlike earlier editions, this book is now organized entirely around concepts and use cases, providing greater depth and readability. C# 3.0 introduces the most significant enhancements yet to the programming language, and C# 3.0 in a Nutshell delves deep into the subject while assuming minimal prior knowledge of C#-making it accessible to anyone with a reasonable background in programming. In addition to the language, the book covers the .NET CLR and the core Framework assemblies, along with the unified querying syntax called Language Integrated Query (LINQ), which bridges the traditional divide between programs and their data sources. Free of clutter and long introductions, this book provides a map of C# 3.0 knowledge in a succinct and unified style:

• Opening chapters concentrate purely on C#, starting with the basics of syntax, types and variables, and finishing with advanced topics such as unsafe code and preprocessor directives

• Later chapters cover the core .NET 3.5 Framework, including such topics as LINQ, XML, collections, I/O and networking, memory management, reflection, attributes, security, threading, application domains and native interoperability

Designed as a handbook for daily use, C# 3.0 in a Nutshell is an ideal companion to any of the vast array of books that focus on an applied technology such as WPF, ASP.NET, or WCF. The areas of the language and .NET Framework that such books omit, this one covers in detail.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 40 Ratings

Clear, concise, and thorough - 2009-12-08
Reviewer Rating:
C# 3.0 in a Nutshell is just about perfect. It describes the language and the relevant .NET libraries in a clear, concise way, with meaningful examples and a much appreciated lack of author interference. C# is the star of this show, and the authors stay out of its way. This book has one purpose - to document C# 3.0. No more, no less. So, don't come into this book looking for clever anecdotes or immature silliness that often pervades other titles.

The book can be read from chapter-to-chapter, or used as a desktop reference. It's the perfect supplement for those already learning other Microsoft technologies, such as ASP.NET. This book will fill in the gaps that resources on those other technologies neglect to explore.

Take note that this book is NOT meant for beginners. If you don't know what a variable is, or a control loop, then you should seek a more rudimentary text before diving into this. This book won't teach you how to program - instead it documents one of many available programming languages available for use. Keep those caveats in mind when deciding whether or not to make a purchase.

There's not much else to say. C# 3.0 is a text that has a specific job to do, and it does it well. It's a must have for anyone wanting to learn the language, those who need a language-specific supplement for their other related avenues of learning, or a trusty desktop reference for the language. Highly recommended.

Helped me port code from C++ to C# - 2009-09-27
Reviewer Rating:
Very concise and easy to understand. I used this book as a reference while porting code from C++ to C#. First four chapters gave me a great overview of the language. The rest of the book handles the more specific mechanisms in C# and .NET

Nothing more I can really say... - 2009-09-25
Reviewer Rating:
That hasn't already been stated in other reviews.

Basically, if you have any experience with structured scripting languages whatsoever - even basic JavaScript - you can learn (or freshen up) C# with this book quite easily. It presents the information in a way that is easy for those who learn by definition: Telling you what each reference is and what it does, then showing you an example of how it's used and what the outcome will be.

My only real complaint, and it may not be a complaint for you, is that there doesn't seem to be a plan or methodology, no linearity, in the way the information is given. It jumps around in a way that is a bit difficult to follow; the content is easy to understand, but I was hoping for something that more closely emulates stepping through an actual script. Start with the 'using' reference, explain that, then go to some of the common entry points and explain those, etc. You don't learn about 'using' until like 50 pages into the book, even though that's 9 times out of 10 the first line in the code.

Small nitpick, but it did affect me a bit, so I felt it necessary to note here in case you feel the same.

I suggest if you can find this book at a Borders or Barnes and Noble and can flip through it before buying (and I would suggest buying it from Amazon to save $10 if you like it), please do so. Make sure the layout of the book works for you. The content is guaranteed to.

Yes, a great reference - 2009-08-02
Reviewer Rating:
This is indeed a well written book that I rarely finds in the category of language references.
This book covers huge array of C# features without loss of technical depth. I'll keep it on my desk all the time.

Good content, thoughtful explanations - 2010-01-23
Reviewer Rating:
First, don't be put off by the irony of an 800+ page nutshell book.

I like how the authors explain some advanced topics, such as delegates, events, lambda expressions, anonymous methods, and contravariance. They seem to do in one paragraph what eludes most other authors.

I've read several of the sections off and on, and I get the feeling that the authors are writing from experience and with a practical deliberation. This approach seems to fit well with the spirit of a nutshell book, where you are looking to cut to the chase.

This is not a beginner book, and a reader would benefit from some previous knowledge/experience with C#. However, it is also written well enough so that a beginner would not be completely lost.

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