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The 10 Best Microsoft .NET Books list have been recommended not only by normal readers but also by experts.
You’ll also find that these are top-ranking books on the US Amazon Best Sellers book list for the Microsoft .NET category of books.
If any of the titles interest you, I’d recommend checking them out by clicking the “Check Price” button. It’ll take you to the authorized retailer website, where you’ll be able to see reviews and buy it.
Let’s take a look at the list of 10 Best Microsoft .NET Books.
10 Best Microsoft .NET Books
Now, let’s dive right into the list of 10 Best Microsoft .NET Books, where we’ll provide a quick outline for each book.
1. 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 by Mark J. Price Review Summary
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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
A comprehensive guide for beginners to learn the key concepts, real-world applications, and latest features of C# 9 and .NET 5 with hands-on exercises using VS Code #### Key Features * Explore the newest additions to C# 9, the .NET 5 class library, Entity Framework Core and Blazor * Strengthen your command of ASP.NET Core 5.0 and create professional websites and services * Build cross-platform apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android #### Book Description In C# 9 and .NET 5 – Modern Cross-Platform Development, Fifth Edition, expert teacher Mark J. Price gives you everything you need to start programming C# applications. This latest edition uses the popular Visual Studio Code editor to work across all major operating systems. It is fully updated and expanded with a new chapter on the Microsoft Blazor framework. The book’s first part teaches the fundamentals of C#, including object- oriented programming and new C# 9 features such as top-level programs, target- typed new object instantiation, and immutable types using the record keyword. Part 2 covers the .NET APIs, for performing tasks like managing and querying data, monitoring and improving performance, and working with the file system, async streams, serialization, and encryption. Part 3 provides examples of cross-platform apps you can build and deploy, such as websites and services using ASP.NET Core or mobile apps using Xamarin.Forms. By the end of the book, you will have acquired the understanding and skills you need to use C# 9 and .NET 5 to create websites, services, and mobile apps. #### 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 #### Who this book is for This book is best for C# and .NET beginners, or programmers who have worked with C# in the past but feel left behind by the changes in the past few years. This book doesn’t expect you to have any C# or .NET experience; however, you should have a general understanding of programming. Students and professionals with a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) background can certainly benefit from this book. #### Table of Contents 1. Hello, C#! Welcome, .NET Core! 2. Speaking C# 3. Controlling Flow and Converting Types 4. Writing, Debugging, and Testing Functions 5. Building Your Own Types with Object-Oriented Programming 6. Implementing Interfaces and Inheriting Classes 7. Understanding and Packaging .NET Types 8. Working with Common .NET Types 9. Working with Files, Streams, and Serialization 10. Protecting Your Data and Applications 11. Working with Databases Using Entity Framework Core 12. Querying and Manipulating Data with LINQ 13. Improving Performance and Scalability with Multitasking 14. Introducing Practical Applications of C# and .NET 15. Building Websites Using ASP.NET Core Razor Pages 16. Building Websites Using the Model-View-Controller Pattern 17. Building Websites Using a Content Management System 18. Building and Consuming Web Services 19. Building Intelligent Apps Using Machine Learning 20. Building Web User Interfaces Using Blazor 21. Building Cross-Platform Mobile Apps Using Xamarin.Forms 22. Appendix A (Bonus Chapter) 23. Appendix B (Bonus Chapter)
2. 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 by Mark J. Price Review Summary
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
A comprehensive guide for beginners to learn the key concepts, real-world applications, and latest features of C# 9 and .NET 5 with hands-on exercises using VS Code #### Key Features * Explore the newest additions to C# 9, the .NET 5 class library, Entity Framework Core and Blazor * Strengthen your command of ASP.NET Core 5.0 and create professional websites and services * Build cross-platform apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android #### Book Description In C# 9 and .NET 5 – Modern Cross-Platform Development, Fifth Edition, expert teacher Mark J. Price gives you everything you need to start programming C# applications. This latest edition uses the popular Visual Studio Code editor to work across all major operating systems. It is fully updated and expanded with a new chapter on the Microsoft Blazor framework. The book’s first part teaches the fundamentals of C#, including object- oriented programming and new C# 9 features such as top-level programs, target- typed new object instantiation, and immutable types using the record keyword. Part 2 covers the .NET APIs, for performing tasks like managing and querying data, monitoring and improving performance, and working with the file system, async streams, serialization, and encryption. Part 3 provides examples of cross-platform apps you can build and deploy, such as websites and services using ASP.NET Core or mobile apps using Xamarin.Forms. By the end of the book, you will have acquired the understanding and skills you need to use C# 9 and .NET 5 to create websites, services, and mobile apps. #### 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 #### Who this book is for This book is best for C# and .NET beginners, or programmers who have worked with C# in the past but feel left behind by the changes in the past few years. This book doesn’t expect you to have any C# or .NET experience; however, you should have a general understanding of programming. Students and professionals with a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) background can certainly benefit from this book. #### Table of Contents 1. Hello, C#! Welcome, .NET Core! 2. Speaking C# 3. Controlling Flow and Converting Types 4. Writing, Debugging, and Testing Functions 5. Building Your Own Types with Object-Oriented Programming 6. Implementing Interfaces and Inheriting Classes 7. Understanding and Packaging .NET Types 8. Working with Common .NET Types 9. Working with Files, Streams, and Serialization 10. Protecting Your Data and Applications 11. Working with Databases Using Entity Framework Core 12. Querying and Manipulating Data with LINQ 13. Improving Performance and Scalability with Multitasking 14. Introducing Practical Applications of C# and .NET 15. Building Websites Using ASP.NET Core Razor Pages 16. Building Websites Using the Model-View-Controller Pattern 17. Building Websites Using a Content Management System 18. Building and Consuming Web Services 19. Building Intelligent Apps Using Machine Learning 20. Building Web User Interfaces Using Blazor 21. Building Cross-Platform Mobile Apps Using Xamarin.Forms 22. Appendix A (Bonus Chapter) 23. Appendix B (Bonus Chapter)
3. Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture by Martin Fowler Review Summary
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Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture
Developers of enterprise applications (e.g reservation systems, supply chain programs, financial systems, etc.) face a unique set of challenges, different than those faced by their desktop system and embedded system peers. For this reason, enterprise developers must uncover their own solutions. In this new book, noted software engineering expert Martin Fowler turns his attention to enterprise application development. He helps professionals understand the complex — yet critical — aspects of architecture. While architecture is important to all application development, it is particularly critical to the success of an enterprise project, where issues such as performance and concurrent multi-user access are paramount. The book presents patterns (proven solutions to recurring problems) in enterprise architecture, and the context provided by the author enables the reader to make the proper choices when faced with a difficult design decision.
4. Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches by Don Jones Review Summary
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Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches
Summary Discover how scripting is different from command-line PowerShell, as you explore concrete hands-on examples in this handy guide. The book includes and expands on many of the techniques presented in Learn PowerShell Toolmaking in a Month of Lunches. Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications. About the Technology Automate it! With Microsoft’s PowerShell language, you can write scripts to control nearly every aspect of Windows. Just master a few straightforward scripting skills, and you’ll be able to eliminate repetitive manual tasks, create custom reusable tools, and build effective pipelines and workflows. Once you start scripting in PowerShell, you’ll be amazed at how many opportunities you’ll find to save time and effort. About the Book Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches teaches you how to expand your command-line PowerShell skills into effective scripts and tools. In 27 bite-size lessons, you’ll discover instantly useful techniques for writing efficient code, finding and squashing bugs, organizing your scripts into libraries, and much more. Advanced scripters will even learn to access the .NET Framework, store data long term, and create nice user interfaces. What’s Inside * Designing functions and scripts * Effective pipeline usage * Dealing with errors and bugs * Professional-grade scripting practices About the Reader Written for devs and IT pros comfortable with PowerShell and Windows. About the Authors Don Jones is a PowerShell MVP, speaker, and trainer who has written dozens of books on information technology topics. Jeffery Hicks is a PowerShell MVP and an independent consultant, trainer, and author. Don and Jeff coauthored Manning’s Learn Windows PowerShell in a Month of Lunches , Learn PowerShell Toolmaking in a Month of Lunches , and PowerShell in Depth. Table of Contents #### PART 1 – INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTING 1. Before you begin 2. Setting up your scripting environment 3. WWPD: what would PowerShell do? 4. Review: parameter binding and the PowerShell pipeline 5. Scripting language crash course 6. The many forms of scripting (and which to use) 7. Scripts and security #### PART 2 – BUILDING A POWERSHELL SCRIPT 8. Always design first 9. Avoiding bugs: start with a command 10. Building a basic function and script module 11. Going advanced with your function 12. Objects: the best kind of output 13. Using all the pipelines 14. Simple help: making a comment 15. Dealing with errors 16. Filling out a manifest #### PART 3 – GROWN-UP SCRIPTING 17. Changing your brain when it comes to scripting 18. Professional-grade scripting 19. An introduction to source control with git 20. Pestering your script 21. Signing your script 22. Publishing your script #### PART 4 – ADVANCED TECHNIQUES 23. Squashing bugs 24. Making script output prettier 25. Wrapping up the .NET Framework 26. Storing data-not in Excel! 27. Never the end
5. Mastering Windows PowerShell Scripting: Automate and manage your environment using PowerShell Core 6.0, 3rd Edition by Chris Dent Review Summary
Mastering Windows PowerShell Scripting: Automate and manage your environment using PowerShell Core 6.0, 3rd Edition
Grasp advanced PowerShell Core 6.0 functionalities to automate your environment #### Key Features * Keep up with changes introduced in PowerShell Core 6.0 * Easily maintain appropriate compatibility with older versions * Automate complex tasks, manipulate data, and secure your environment with PowerShell Core 6.0 #### Book Description PowerShell scripts offer a handy way to automate various chores, however working effectively with these scripts can be a difficult task. This comprehensive guide starts with the fundamentals before moving on to advanced-level topics to help you become a PowerShell Core 6.0 expert. The first module, PowerShell Core 6.0 Fundamentals, begins with the new features of PowerShell Core 6.0, installing it on Linux, and working with parameters, objects and .NET classes from within PowerShell Core 6.0. As you make your way through the chapters, you’ll see how to efficiently manage large amounts of data and interact with other services using PowerShell Core 6.0. You’ll be able to make the most of PowerShell Core 6.0’s powerful automation feature, where you will have different methods available to parse data and manipulate regular expressions and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). After having explored automation, you will enter the extending PowerShell Core 6.0 module, covering asynchronous processing and desired state configuration. In the last module, you will learn to extend PowerShell Core 6.0 using advanced scripts and filters, and also debug issues along with working on error handling techniques. By the end of this book, you will be an expert in scripting with PowerShell Core 6.0. #### What you will learn * Optimize code through the use of functions, switches, and looping structures * Work with objects and operators to test and manipulate data * Parse and manipulate different data types * Create scripts and functions using PowerShell * Use jobs, events, and popular public modules which assist with implementing multithreading * Write .NET classes with ease within the PowerShell * Create and implement regular expressions in PowerShell scripts * Make use of advanced techniques to define and restrict the behavior of parameters #### Who this book is for If you are a system administrator who wants to become an expert in controlling and automating your Windows environment, then Mastering Windows PowerShell Scripting is for you. It is also ideal for those new to the PowerShell language. #### Table of Contents 1. Introduction to PowerShell 2. Modules and Snap-ins 3. Working with Objects in PowerShell 4. Operators 5. Variables, Arrays, and Hashtables 6. Branching and Looping 7. Working with .NET 8. Strings, Numbers, and Dates 9. Regular Expressions 10. Files, Folders, and the Registry 11. Windows Management Instrumentation 12. HTML, XML, and JSON 13. Web Requests and Web Services 14. Remoting and Remote Management 15. Asynchronous Processing 16. Scripts, Functions, and Filters 17. Parameters, Validation, and Dynamic Parameters 18. Classes and Enumerations 19. Building Modules 20. Testing 21. Error Handling
6. Pro ASP.NET Core 3 (Develop Cloud-Ready Web Applications Using MVC 3, Blazor, and Razor Pages) by Adam Freeman Review Summary
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Pro ASP.NET Core 3 (Develop Cloud-Ready Web Applications Using MVC 3, Blazor, and Razor Pages)
This bestselling comprehensive guide to ASP.NET Core is the only book you need for ASP.NET Core development. Period. Professional developers will produce leaner applications for the ASP.NET Core platform using the guidance in this full-color book, now in its 8th edition and updated for ASP.NET Core 3. It contains detailed explanations of the ASP.NET Core platform and the application frameworks it supports. This edition puts ASP.NET Core 3 into context and dives deep into the tools and techniques required to build modern, extensible, web applications. New features and capabilities such as MVC 3, Razor Pages, Blazor Server, and Blazor WebAssembly are covered, along with demonstrations of how they are applied. ASP.NET Core 3 is the latest evolution of Microsoft’s ASP.NET web platform and provides a “host-agnostic” framework and a high-productivity programming model that promotes cleaner code architecture, test-driven development, and powerful extensibility. Best-selling author Adam Freeman has thoroughly revised this market- leading book and explains how to get the most from ASP.NET Core 3. He starts with the nuts-and-bolts topics, teaching you about middleware components, built-in services, request model binding, and more. As you gain knowledge and confidence, he introduces increasingly more complex topics and advanced features, including endpoint routing and dependency injection. He goes in depth to give you the knowledge you need. This book follows the same format and style as the popular previous editions but brings everything up-to-date for the new ASP.NET Core 3 release and broadens the focus to include the entire ASP.NET Core platform. You will appreciate the fully worked case study of a functioning ASP.NET Core application that you can use as a template for your own projects. What You Will Learn * Build a solid foundation and skill set for working with the entire ASP.NET Core platform * Apply the new ASP.NET Core 3 features in your developer environment * See how to create RESTful web services, web applications, and client-side applications * Build on your existing knowledge to get up and running with new programming models quickly and effectively Who This Book Is For This book is for Microsoft developers and assumes a basic knowledge of web development and C#. While written for professionals who want to incorporate the latest improvements and functionality of ASP.NET Core 3 into their own projects, it also serves as an in-depth and complete reference on the topic. Beginners with some background in Microsoft web development will also benefit from the comprehensive coverage of the topic.
7. Head First C#: A Learner's Guide to Real-World Programming with C# and .NET Core by Andrew Stellman Review Summary
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Head First C#: A Learner's Guide to Real-World Programming with C# and .NET Core
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.
8. The Modern Data Warehouse in Azure: Building with Speed and Agility on Microsoft’s Cloud Platform by Matt How Review Summary
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The Modern Data Warehouse in Azure: Building with Speed and Agility on Microsoft’s Cloud Platform
Build a modern data warehouse on Microsoft’s Azure Platform that is flexible, adaptable, and fast―fast to snap together, reconfigure, and fast at delivering results to drive good decision making in your business. Gone are the days when data warehousing projects were lumbering dinosaur-style projects that took forever, drained budgets, and produced business intelligence (BI) just in time to tell you what to do 10 years ago. This book will show you how to assemble a data warehouse solution like a jigsaw puzzle by connecting specific Azure technologies that address your own needs and bring value to your business. You will see how to implement a range of architectural patterns using batches, events, and streams for both data lake technology and SQL databases. You will discover how to manage metadata and automation to accelerate the development of your warehouse while establishing resilience at every level. And you will know how to feed downstream analytic solutions such as Power BI and Azure Analysis Services to empower data-driven decision making that drives your business forward toward a pattern of success. This book teaches you how to employ the Azure platform in a strategy to dramatically improve implementation speed and flexibility of data warehousing systems. You will know how to make correct decisions in design, architecture, and infrastructure such as choosing which type of SQL engine (from at least three options) best meets the needs of your organization. You also will learn about ETL/ELT structure and the vast number of accelerators and patterns that can be used to aid implementation and ensure resilience. Data warehouse developers and architects will find this book a tremendous resource for moving their skills into the future through cloud-based implementations. What You Will Learn * Choose the appropriate Azure SQL engine for implementing a given data warehouse * Develop smart, reusable ETL/ELT processes that are resilient and easily maintained * Automate mundane development tasks through tools such as PowerShell * Ensure consistency of data by creating and enforcing data contracts * Explore streaming and event-driven architectures for data ingestion * Create advanced staging layers using Azure Data Lake Gen 2 to feed your data warehouse Who This Book Is For Data warehouse or ETL/ELT developers who wish to implement a data warehouse project in the Azure cloud, and developers currently working in on-premise environments who want to move to the cloud, and for developers with Azure experience looking to tighten up their implementation and consolidate their knowledge
9. C# in Depth: Fourth Edition by Jon Skeet Review Summary
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C# in Depth: Fourth Edition
Effective techniques and experienced insights to maximize your C# 6 and 7 programming skills Key Features Written by C# legend and top StackOverflow contributor Jon Skeet Unlock the new features of C# 6 and 7 Insights on the future of the C# language Master asynchronous functions, interpolated strings, tuples, and more Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications. “An excellent overview of C# with helpful and realistic examples that make learning the newest features of C# easy.” –Meredith Godar About The Book C# is the foundation of .NET development. New features added in C# 6 and 7 make it easier to take on big data applications, cloud-centric web development, and cross-platform software using .NET Core. Packed with deep insight from C# guru Jon Skeet, this book takes you deep into concepts and features other C# books ignore. C# in Depth, Fourth Edition is an authoritative and engaging guide that reveals the full potential of the language, including the new features of C# 6 and 7. It combines deep dives into the C# language with practical techniques for enterprise development, web applications, and systems programming. As you absorb the wisdom and techniques in this book, you’ll write better code, and become an exceptional troubleshooter and problem solver. What You Will Learn Comprehensive guidance on the new features of C# 6 and 7 Important legacies and greatest hits of C# 2-5 Expression-bodied members Extended pass-by-reference functionality Writing asynchronous C# code String interpolation Composition with tuples Decomposition and pattern matching This Book Is Written For For intermediate C# developers. About The Author Jon Skeet is a senior software engineer at Google. He studied mathematics and computer science at Cambridge, is a recognized authority in Java and C#, and maintains the position of top contributor to Stack Overflow. Table of Contents 1. Survival of the sharpest 2. C# 2 3. C# 3: LINQ and everything that comes with it 4. C# 4: Improving interoperability 5. Writing asynchronous code 6. Async implementation 7. C# 5 bonus features 8. Super-sleek properties and expression-bodied members 9. Stringy features 10. A smorgasbord of features for concise code 11. Composition using tuples 12. Deconstruction and pattern matching 13. Improving efficiency with more pass by reference 14. Concise code in C# 7 15. C# 8 and beyond PART 1 C# IN CONTEXT PART 2 C# 2-5 PART 3 C# 6 PART 4 C# 7 AND BEYOND
10. C# 8.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference by Joseph Albahari Review Summary
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C# 8.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference
When you have questions about C# 8.0 or .NET Core, this best-selling guide has the answers you need. C# is a language of unusual flexibility and breadth, but with its continual growth there’s so much more to learn. In the tradition of the O’Reilly Nutshell guides, this thoroughly updated edition is simply the best one-volume reference to the C# language available today. Organized around concepts and use cases, C# 8.0 in a Nutshell provides intermediate and advanced programmers with a concise map of C# and .NET knowledge that also plumbs significant depths. * Get up to speed on C#, from syntax and variables to advanced topics such as pointers, closures, and patterns * Dig deep into LINQ with three chapters dedicated to the topic * Explore concurrency and asynchrony, advanced threading, and parallel programming * Work with .NET features, including regular expressions, networking, serialization, spans, reflection, and cryptography * Delve into Roslyn, the modular C# compiler as a service