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Foreword

Learning a new programming language, or even a new version of one, can be a lot like traveling to a foreign country. Some things will look familiar. Some things will look very odd. You can usually get by if you stick to the familiar; but, who wants to just "get by"? Often times, it's the odd things in a country, culture, or language where you can realize many interesting and valuable benefits.

To do it right, however, you'll need a proper guide or guide book. This is essential. Just as a good guide book will tell you what to see, when to see it, what to eat, what to avoid, and a few tips, so will a good programming book tell you what frameworks and classes to use, how to call their methods, what bad practices to avoid, and a few productivity tips and best practices.

This is exactly what Steve has provided you.

If you were to approach C# 2.0 from a 1.0 perspective, or from some other language background, you'd be missing out on all its new offerings. For example, I'm a seasoned developer and set in my ways. If you're like me, then you probably still write methods, loops, and other design patterns the same way you have for many years. You know it's not producing the most efficient code, but it's quick. It's easy to read and understand; and it works.

Steve has literally written the "Core" C# book here. He begins by introducing you to the important C# concepts and their interaction with the .NET Framework; but, then he deviates from the other C# reference books on the market and jumps right into the application of C#. These include most of the common, daily tasks that you could be asked to perform, such as working with text, files, databases, XML, Windows forms and controls, printing, ASP.NET Web applications, Web services, and remoting. Steve even provides you with asynchronous, multithreaded, security, and deployment topics as a bonus. You won't need another book on your shelf.

So, what are you waiting for? I think it's time to break a few of your familiar habits and experience some new culture!


Richard Hundhausen
Author, Introducing Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Team System

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