Best C# Programming Books for Beginners and Advanced Developers

C# (pronounced "C sharp") is an object-oriented programming language that is designed for building a variety of applications that run on the .NET Framework (or .NET Core). C# is simple, powerful, type-safe, and object-oriented. C# is a multi-paradigm, managed, object-oriented programming language created by Microsoft in conjunction with .NET. C# can be used with any .NET implementation such as .NET Core, .NET Framework, Mono, and Xamarin. If you're looking to learn C# or improve your experience, here we listed some of the best C# programming books. Please have a careful look at them and choose the perfect ones for you.

C# 10 and .NET 6 – Modern Cross-Platform Development: Build apps, websites, and services with ASP.NET Core 6, Blazor, and EF Core 6 using Visual Studio 2022 and Visual Studio Code, 6th Edition
Author: Price, Mark J.
Published at: 09/11/2021
ISBN: 1801077363

What you will learn

  • Build rich web experiences using Blazor, Razor Pages, the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern, and other features of ASP.NET Core
  • Build your own types with object-oriented programming
  • Write, test, and debug functions
  • Query and manipulate data using LINQ
  • Integrate and update databases in your apps using Entity Framework Core, Microsoft SQL Server, and SQLite
  • Build and consume powerful services using the latest technologies, including gRPC and GraphQL
  • Build cross-platform apps using .NET MAUI and XAML


Head First C#: A Learner's Guide to Real-World Programming with C# and .NET Core
Author: Stellman, Andrew
Published at: 20/01/2021
ISBN: 1491976705

What will you learn from this book?

Dive into C# and create apps, user interfaces, games, and more using this fun and highly visual introduction to C#, .NET Core, and Visual Studio. With this completely updated guide, which covers C# 8.0 and Visual Studio 2019, beginning programmers like you will build a fully functional game in the opening chapter. Then you'll learn how to use classes and object-oriented programming, create 3D games in Unity, and query data with LINQ. And you'll do it all by solving puzzles, doing hands-on exercises, and building real-world applications. By the time you're done, you'll be a solid C# programmer--and you'll have a great time along the way!

What's so special about this book?

Based on the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory, Head First C# uses a visually rich format to engage your mind rather than a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep. Why waste your time struggling with new concepts? This multisensory learning experience is designed for the way your brain really works.



Pro C# 9 with .NET 5: Foundational Principles and Practices in Programming
Author: Troelsen, Andrew
Published at: 14/05/2021
ISBN: 1484269381

What You Will Learn

  • Explore C# 9 features and updates in records, immutable classes, init only setters, top-level statements, patterns, and more
  • Hit the ground running with ASP.NET Core web applications and web services
  • Embrace Entity Framework Core for building real-world, data-centric applications, with deeply expanded coverage new to this edition
  • Develop applications with C# and modern frameworks for services, web, and smart client applications
  • Understand the philosophy behind .NET
  • Discover the new features in .NET 5, including single file applications and smaller container images, Windows ARM64 support, and more
  • Dive into Windows Desktop Apps on .NET 5 using Windows Presentation Foundation
  • Check out performance improvements included with updates to ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework Core, and internals like garbage collection, System.Text.Json, and container size optimization


C# 9 and .NET 5 – Modern Cross-Platform Development: Build intelligent apps, websites, and services with Blazor, ASP.NET Core, and Entity Framework Core using Visual Studio Code, 5th Edition
Author: Price, Mark J.
Published at: 10/11/2020
ISBN: 180056810X

What you will learn

  • Build your own types with object-oriented programming
  • Query and manipulate data using LINQ
  • Build websites and services using ASP.NET Core 5
  • Create intelligent apps using machine learning
  • Use Entity Framework Core and work with relational databases
  • Discover Windows app development using the Universal Windows Platform and XAML
  • Build rich web experiences using the Blazor framework
  • Build mobile applications for iOS and Android using Xamarin.Forms


Programming C# 8.0: Build Cloud, Web, and Desktop Applications
Author: Griffiths, Ian
Published at: 14/01/2020
ISBN: 1492056812

Designed for experienced programmers, this book provides many code examples to help you work with the nuts and bolts of C#, such as generics, LINQ, and asynchronous programming features. You’ll get up to speed on .NET Core and the latest C# 8.0 additions, including asynchronous streams, nullable references, pattern matching, default interface implementation, ranges and new indexing syntax, and changes in the .NET tool chain.

  • Discover how C# supports fundamental coding features, such as classes, other custom types, collections, and error handling
  • Learn how to write high-performance memory-efficient code with .NET Core’s Span and Memory types
  • Query and process diverse data sources, such as in-memory object models, databases, data streams, and XML documents with LINQ
  • Use .NET’s multithreading features to exploit your computer’s parallel processing capabilities
  • Learn how asynchronous language features can help improve application responsiveness and scalability


C#: Programming Basics for Absolute Beginners (Step-By-Step C#)
Author: Nathan Clark
Published at: 24/08/2017
ISBN: 1975745086

Learning a programming language can seem like a daunting task. You may have looked at coding in the past, and felt it was too complicated and confusing. This comprehensive beginner’s guide will take you to step by step through learning one of the best programming languages out there. 

What You Will Learn

  • Basics of C#

  • Writing Your First Program, Step-By-Step

  • Basic Program Structure

  • How to Use a Compiler

  • Which IDE to Choose

  • Capabilities of C#

  • Sample Applications



Learn C# in One Day and Learn It Well: C# for Beginners with Hands-on Project (Learn Coding Fast with Hands-On Project) (Volume 3)
Author: Jamie Chan
Published at: 27/10/2015
ISBN: 1518800270

Have you always wanted to learn computer programming but are afraid it'll be too difficult for you? Or perhaps you know other programming languages but are interested in learning the C# language fast?

This book is for you. You no longer have to waste your time and money learning C# from boring books that are 600 pages long, expensive online courses or complicated C# tutorials that just leave you more confused.

 

What You Will learn

  • Introduction to C#
  • Data types and Operators 
  • Object-Oriented Programming concepts including encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism
  • Controlling the flow of a program
  • Handling errors and exceptions
  • Processing user input and output
  • Working with LINQ  to retrieve data faster


Programming C# 4.0: Building Windows, Web, and RIA Applications for the .NET 4.0 Framework (Animal Guide)
Author: Ian Griffiths,Matthew Adams,Jesse Liberty
Published at: 28/08/2010
ISBN: 0596159838

These are a couple of goals at work in Programming C#. First, it's an excellent language tutorial, certainly one of the smartest and best available guides to C# as a language. Early chapters explore basic and obscure language options using inheritance, delegation, interface, and the conventions in C# used to implement these techniques. 

What You Will Learn 

  • Introduction to C# and the .NET platform

  • Understanding variables, loop, and functions

  • Defining classes in C# (including static members, finalizers, overloading, and read-only fields)

  • Inheritance and polymorphism implemented in C#

  • Built-in .NET collections, strings, and regular expression support

  • Structured exception handling

  • Creating productive web apps using Silverlight and ASP.NET

  • Working with large collections of data with the native query features in LINQ

  • Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) to communicate over the networks

  • Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) to build interactive Windows applications with



C++ Programming in easy steps
Author: Mike McGrath
Published at: 14/02/2017
ISBN: 1840787570

C# Programming in easy steps will teach you to code applications and demonstrates every aspect of the C# language that you will need to produce professional programming results. With simple working examples, it explains all the essential topics of programming with C#. If you want a book that will help you to acquire the skills in C# in a clear, concise and comprehensive way, stick to this one.

What You Will Learn

  • Introduction to C# and its environment
  • Performing various operations on different data
  • Working with strings
  • Reading and writing files from your program
  • Understanding pointers and its uses
  • Creating classes and objects
  • Applying polymorphism in your code



Pro C# 7: With .NET and .NET Core
Author: Andrew Troelsen,Philip Japikse
Published at: 21/11/2017
ISBN: 1484230175

This new 8th edition of Pro C# 7 and the .NET 4.7 Platform has been completely revised and rewritten to reflect the latest changes to the C# language specification and new advances in the .NET Framework. You'll find new chapters covering all the important new features that make .NET 4.6 the most comprehensive release yet, including:

  • A Refined ADO.NET Entity Framework Programming Model

  • Numerous IDE and MVVM Enhancements for WPF Desktop Development

  • Numerous updates to the ASP.NET Web APIs

What You Will Learn

  • Be the first to understand the .NET 4.7 platform and C# 7.1

  • Discover the ins and outs of the leading .NET technology

  • Learn from an award-winning author who has been teaching the .NET world since version 1.0

  • Find complete coverage of XAML, .NET 4.7 and Visual Studio 2017 together with a discussion of the new Windows Runtime



Microsoft Visual C# Step by Step (9th Edition) (Developer Reference)
Author: John Sharp
Published at: 05/07/2018
ISBN: 1509307761
This is the most updated guide to teach yourself all the fundamentals of programming with the latest version of Visual C# with Visual Studio 2017. For the experienced software developers, it provides guidance, exercises, and code you need to start building responsive, scalable Windows 10 and Universal Windows Platform applications with Visual C#. If you are looking for a complete reference book to start building scalable web applications, have a look at this one.

 

What You Will Learn

  • Quickly start creating Visual C# code and projects with Visual Studio 2017

  • Understanding error, exception, and resource management

  • Using LINQ query expressions to create in-memory data queries 

  • Working with asynchronous methods to improve application throughput and response time 

  • Decoupling application logic and event handling

  • Integrating Cortana to build voice-enabled applications 
  • Working with Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) pattern
  • Developing cloud-connected applications
  • Retrieving complex data via REST building UWP applications


C# in Depth, 3rd Edition
Author: Jon Skeet
Published at: 08/10/2013
ISBN: 161729134X

This book has been thoroughly revised to cover the new features of C# 5, including the subtleties of writing maintainable asynchronous code. You'll see the power of C# in action, learning how to work with high-value features that you'll be glad to have in your toolkit. And you'll learn to avoid hidden pitfalls of C# programming with the help of crystal clear explanations of "behind the scenes" issues.

What You Will Learn

  • Core foundations for C# programming
  • Understanding parameterized typing using generics
  • Working with nullable types
  • Creating lambda expressions and expression trees
  • Using LINQ for writing in code query expressions
  • Working with asynchronous methods


C#: Learn C# FAST! The Ultimate Course Book (Beginners to Advanced)
Author: Gary Mitnick
Published at: 09/05/2017
ISBN: 154647837X

C# is one of the most popular programming languages and closely resembles Java.  Popularity is an important consideration for programmers because it usually dictates how much resources are available online for the language.  

C# is a very flexible language. The range of applications that you can develop with c#, .NET and Visual Studio is almost limitless. You can develop native windows applications, REST API, mobile applications, ASP.NET websites, Unity games, or even cross-platform Xamarin apps that will work on both iOS and Android.

What You Will Learn 

  • Understanding expressions and statements

  • Using methods and properties

  • Working with decision statements and flow control

  • Dealing with Enumerations

  • Building Interfaces

  • Understanding Indexes,generics,collections

  • Working with query expressions using LINQ



Exam Ref 70-483 Programming in C#
Author: Rob Miles
Published at: 01/09/2018
ISBN: 1509306986

If you are an experienced C# developer and looking forward to advancing your status, you should think about Microsoft Exam 70-483. Taking this exam and successfully completing it, you can show your real-world mastery of modern C#. If you are preparing for this exam, this book is the ideal guide to understand all the objectives of this exam.

The objectives of this exam include-

  • Manage program flow 
  • Create and use types 
  • Debug applications and implement security 
  • Implement data access 

What You Will Learn

  • Understanding all the 4 exam objectives
  • The strategies and what-if scenarios that can challenge you


The C# Player's Guide (3rd Edition)
Author: RB Whitaker
Published at: 13/03/2016
ISBN: 0985580135

The C# Player's Guide (3rd Edition) is the ultimate guide for people starting out with C#, whether you are new to programming, or an experienced vet. This guide takes you from your journey's beginning, through the most challenging parts of programming in C#, and does so in a way that is casual, informative, and fun.

What You Will Learn

  • Essentials of procedural programming
  • An in-depth understanding of the C# type system
  • OOP concepts including inheritance, polymorphism, interfaces, and generics
  • Working with namespaces and directives
  • Handling errors and exceptions
  • Understanding Lambda expressions
  • Debugging your code
  • Getting used to .NET platform





C# 6.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference
Author: Joseph Albahari,Ben Albahari
Published at: 26/11/2015
ISBN: 1491927062

When you have questions about C# 6.0 or the .NET CLR and its core Framework assemblies, this bestselling guide has the answers you need. C# has become a language of unusual flexibility and breadth since its premiere in 2000, but this continual growth means there’s still much more to learn.

What You Will Learn 

  • Get up to speed with all aspects of the C# language, from the basics of syntax and variables to advanced topics such as pointers and operator overloading

  • Dig deep into LINQ via three chapters dedicated to the topic

  • Learn about dynamic, asynchronous, and parallel programming

  • Work with .NET features, including XML, networking, serialization, reflection, security, application domains, and code contracts

  • Explore the new C# 6.0 compiler-as-a-service, Roslyn.



Also you can check these books:
  • CLR via C# (4th Edition) (Developer Reference)
  • Pro C# 7: With .NET and .NET Core
  • C# 7.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference
  • C#: Learn C# FAST! The Ultimate Course Book (Beginners to Advanced)
  • C#: Programming Basics for Absolute Beginners (Step-By-Step C# Book 1)
  • C# Programming in easy steps
  • C#: Learn C# in One Day and Learn It Well. C# for Beginners with Hands-on Project. (Learn Coding Fast with Hands-On Project Book 3)
  • C# 6 for Programmers (6th Edition) (Deitel Developer Series)
  • Beginning C# 7 Programming with Visual Studio 2017
  • Programming C# 5.0: Building Windows 8, Web, and Desktop Applications for the .NET 4.5 Framework
  • Exam Ref 70-483 Programming in C# (MCSD): Programming in C#
  • C# Programming: For Beginners, Learn Coding Fast! Include 100 Tests & Answers, C# Crash Course, Quick Start Guide, C# Tutorial Book by Hands-On Projec
  • Murach's C# 2015
  • C#: Learn C# FAST! The Ultimate Course Book (Beginners to Advanced)
  • C# 6 for Programmers (Deitel Developer Series)
  • C#: Design Patterns: The Easy Way Standard Solutions for Everyday Programming Problems; Great for: Game Programming, System Administration, App Progra
  • C# 7.1 and .NET Core 2.0 - Modern Cross-Platform Development - Third Edition: Create powerful applications with .NET Standard 2.0, ASP.NET Core 2.0, .
  • Essential C# 7.0 (6th Edition) (Addison-Wesley Microsoft Technology Series)
  • Microsoft Visual C# Step by Step (Developer Reference)
  • Professional C# 7 and .NET Core 2.0
  • Rockin the C# Interview: 2017 Edition: A comprehensive question and answer reference guide for the C# programming language.
  • C# 7.0 Pocket Reference: Instant Help for C# 7.0 Programmers
  • C# 7.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference
  • Head First C#: A Learner's Guide to Real-World Programming with C#, XAML, and .NET
  • C# Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design
  • C# in Depth

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