What is C#?
If you have read any of the C# Books, you must be knowing that C# is an object-oriented, multi-paradigm language. Pronounced as C sharp, this language is known for speed. It was created around the year 2000 by Microsoft, which makes it younger than other programming languages like Python and PHP. And, the latest version released in 2020 is 9.0.
What is C# Used For?
C# can be used for a wide range of tasks, including the creation of mobile apps, desktop apps, cloud-based services, video games, and more. The language has a lower learning curve than most major languages, making it perfect for those looking to start their programming journey. Given its popularity, it also provides plenty of career opportunities.
If you are looking to learn C# or upgrade your knowledge of the language, there are plenty of C# books available to do so. We have compiled the list of the 10 Best books on C#.
Best C# Books
1. Learn C# in One Day and Learn it Well
Description: Jamie Chan has written this book primarily for beginners. While you may not be able to learn C# in one day from this book or any other book for that matter, it could be a great way to introduce yourself to this coveted language.
Some of the topics covered in the book are data types, operators, object-oriented programming, and controlling the flow of programs, among others. The concepts are illustrated with the help of ample examples. And, there’s a hands-on project that requires the application of all the topics.
One of the significant advantages of the book is that there’s no need to check the author’s website for practical exercises, as is the case with many programming books. Everything is provided in the book itself, which makes it one of the best C# programming books out there.
- Originally Published: 2015
- Author: Jamie Chan
- Level: Beginner
You can buy this book here.
2. The C# Player’s Guide (4th edition)
Description: This beginner-level book is more of a practical approach to C# programming. With the help of over 100 programming challenges, the book focuses on learning while practising rather than just reading. The author, RB Whitaker, has taken a casual and humorous approach to make this a fun read.
The book starts with the basics of C# like object-oriented programming and gradually moves to more advanced features in the latter part. You can rely on the exercises to cement the concepts taught in the book. On the downside, the book uses only console applications and omits WPF, ASP.NET, etc.
- Originally Published: 2021
- Author: RB Whitaker
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
You can buy this book here.
3. Learning C# by Developing Game with Unity
Description: This C# book provides the necessary information to start using the language to create games in Unity. It begins with the most fundamental concepts and explains the advanced concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. Although the book is for beginners, a complete newbie might have to re-read some of the texts to grasp the subject better.
In the book, the first 100 pages walk us through the fundamentals of C#. Also, the explanations are easy to comprehend, and the examples used are practical. You will also come across several quizzes at the end of each chapter. The last few chapters are about intermediate-level topics, which makes it an ideal source to learn C sharp.
- Originally Published: 2020
- Author: Harrison Ferrone
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
You can buy this book here.
4. C# in Depth
Description: The 4th edition is the latest edition of the book, which takes us through the new features of C#6 and C#7. It covers the development of C# to its present form to peek into the future of the language. As a side note, Jon Skeet, the author, is a top StackOverflow contributor and C# legend.
As the book targets intermediate and advanced audiences, it is not suited for beginners. Jon Skeet has an engaging style of writing that works well for the book. The C# book is divided into four main parts:
- 1st part is C# in context
- 2nd part covers C# 2-5
- 3rd part is all about C#6
- 4th part discusses C#7 and beyond
- Originally Published: 2008
- Author: Jon Skeet
- Level: Intermediate
You can buy this book here.
5. Microsoft Visual C# Step by Step
Description: Microsoft Visual C# Step by Step by John Sharp can be one of the best C# books for beginners and intermediate-level learners. If you are a beginner, you should read the book chapter by chapter. However, if you have some working knowledge of C#, you can skim through the first few chapters to save time.
The book has plenty of code examples and C# projects for beginners for a better understanding of the concepts. Topics like Covariant Interfaces and parallel classes are brilliantly covered. There’s also a good mix of worked and unworked exercises for excellent practice.
- Originally Published: 2010
- Author: John Sharp
- Level: Beginner to intermediate
You can buy this book here.
6. Programming C# 8.0
Description: Programming C#8.0 by Ian Griffiths shows what the powerful combination of C# and .NET can achieve. Designed for experienced programmers, the book contains the latest features of C#8.0. It is not a quick read as it has around 800 pages. What makes the book stand out are the in-depth insights it offers into the native .NET libraries.
The book deals with advanced programming topics and tools provided by C#. Some of the topics discussed are Query, in-memory object models, data streams, databases, and more. If you are a programmer with basic knowledge of C sharp programming, this book would help you upgrade your knowledge.
- Originally Published: 2019
- Author: Ian Griffiths
- Level: Advanced
You can buy this book here.
7. Murach’s C# (5th edition)
Description: It has been a favourite of developers ever since its first edition came out in 2004. Think of it as an extensive guide on C# with over 900 pages. If you have some elementary knowledge of this language, this could be a great learning resource for you.
Books on the computer become outdated pretty quickly, as newer software versions surface. Murach’s C# isn’t one such book as it is a good book for reference and learning, regardless of the software version. The left page of the book has the concepts, and the right page contains examples to reinforce the same idea. That’s one more reason why it’s among the top C# books out there.
- Originally Published: 2004
- Author: Joel Murach, Anne Boehm
- Level: Intermediate
You can buy this book here.
8. C# 9 and .NET
Description: Meet C# and .NET, which covers all the aspects that a developer should know to succeed. This includes the C# programming language, the .NET libraries, and the common App Models. The fifth edition of the book was published in November 2020, and the writer has many changes to include the latest features of C#9.
The book is written in a beginner-friendly tone, but having prior knowledge of the basics of C# would help you get the most out of this book. The topics are well-illustrated, and exercises are a permanent fixture of each chapter.
- Originally Published: 2020
- Author: Mark Price
- Level: Intermediate
You can buy this book here.
9. C# 9.0 in a Nutshell
Description: “C# 9.0 in a Nutshell” is a comprehensive guide on the nitty-gritty of C#. This book has it all, from fundamentals, such as syntax and variables to advanced topics like records and pointers. It even includes .NET features like networking, spans, reflections, and cryptography.
Joseph Albahari has a clear and concise writing style, which makes the 1060 pages book an exciting read. Although the book is enormous, the topics are gradually introduced to the readers. As the latest iteration of the book came in 2021 only, it’s up to date with the latest additions in the language. This book could be a great reference guide to the language, which is why we rate it among the most sought-after C# books currently available in the market.
- Originally Published: 2021
- Author: Joseph Albahari
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
You can buy this book here.
10. Pro C# : With .NET and .NET Core
Description: If you are looking for C# for beginners, this book isn’t for you. After all, “pro” is right in the book’s name. This comprehensive guide includes topics like object-oriented development techniques, generics, attributes, etc., in addition to the latest features of C#7.1.
It is a fast-paced book, which might drive beginners to the edge. The topics are discussed in detail with practical examples, which help understand the concepts clearly. The book is over 1300 pages long and can be a helpful resource even if you’re trying to get C# certified.
The book is an exciting read, as there’s hardly any fluff in it. It covers a substantial part of the .NET Framework in addition to C#.
- Originally Published: 2018
- Author: Andrew Troelsen, Philip Japiske
- Level: Intermediate to advanced
You can buy this book here.
Conclusion
C# is a comprehensive language that gets regular updates. Therefore, no one book can be the know-it-all. Your choice of the book may vary depending on your learning needs and level of knowledge of the language. Books are, however, an indispensable part of learning the language and, coupled with some video courses, could provide the best results.
So, that was our list of the best C# books out there. Excel at the C# web development with the help of these resources.
Happy Learning!
FAQs
Q.1 Is C# hardest to learn?
Ans. No, it’s not the hardest at all. If you are already familiar with the programming languages, then it would hardly take a month to excel at it.
Q.2 How long will it take to learn C#?
Ans. For beginners, it may take up to 3 months. However, it depends on the grasping speed of the student. But normally, all the concepts are made familiar within the stated time span.
Q.3 Is C# a good career?
Ans. Definitely. There are various big organizations and MNCs, that hire C# web developers and programmers. Learning this language increases the chances of landing a good package.
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