How to discover the class libraries

[Steve Thackery]

I'm a newbie to C# and .Net, but have been a part-time programmer in Delphi
for some years.

My challenge isn't so much learning the C# language, as the seemingly vast
..Net class libraries (which are apparently split into the Base Class
Libraries and the Framework Class Libraries).

It seems that there is a mountain of superb functionality in these
libraries, but there is just too much for me to take in as a newcomer. From
where I'm standing I can't really tell what is on offer, and where it can be
found. I could do with some sort of a "map".

Is there some sort of overview document available anywhere? Or perhaps a
recommended process for exploring the various areas? I'm pretty sure there
must be loads of people in my position, who need a structured "way in" to
this enormous forest of code. I think there's a real risk of me writing all
sorts of code unnecessarily, simply because I didn't realise it existed, or
where to find it, in the libraries.

Any suggestions or pointers would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

SteveT

 

[Peter Bromberg [C# MVP]]

There is no "magic formula" for instant knowledge on this subject. You can
find a lot of basic information in the help collection (which is also
available online and is searchable).
Consider investing in a few good books on the subject. Check Amazon.com for
reviews basedi on your desired search terms. As I recall, I've probably
searched 150 sites (including my own) plus over 50 books and a dozen or more
tutorials and videos over the last 5 or six years since .NET came out, and
I"m still growing and learning. Set a goal, and a plan to reach it, and get
rockin'.
-- Peter
Site: http://www.eggheadcafe.com
UnBlog: http://petesbloggerama.blogspot.com
Short Urls & more: http://ittyurl.net

 

[Steve Thackery]

There is no "magic formula" for instant knowledge on this subject.

I wasn't asking for a magic formula, or instant knowledge. I was asking for
some kind of structured overview, which would provide a "way in". Perhaps
one with tips and markers from previous travellers.

As I recall, I've probably
searched 150 sites (including my own) plus over 50 books....

Can you recommend any books or sites? No point in everyone repeating all
that effort.

Thanks,

SteveT

 

[Jon Skeet [C# MVP]]

Can you recommend any books or sites? No point in everyone repeating all
that effort.

To get to grips with the *core* libraries (as opposed to Windows Forms
etc) "C# 3.0 in a Nutshell" is very good.

 

[Steve Thackery]

To get to grips with the *core* libraries (as opposed to Windows Forms

etc) "C# 3.0 in a Nutshell" is very good.

Great! Thank you.

SteveT

 

[clintonG]

Here's what you want...
http://quickstarts.asp.net/QuickStartv20/util/classbrowser.aspx

<%= Clinton Gallagher

 

[Ignacio Machin ( .NET/ C# MVP )]

I'm a newbie to C# and .Net, but have been a part-time programmer in Delphi
for some years.

My challenge isn't so much learning the C# language, as the seemingly vast
.Net class libraries (which are apparently split into the Base Class
Libraries and the Framework Class Libraries).

It seems that there is a mountain of superb functionality in these
libraries, but there is just too much for me to take in as a newcomer.  From
where I'm standing I can't really tell what is on offer, and where it can be
found.  I could do with some sort of a "map".

Is there some sort of overview document available anywhere?  Or perhaps a
recommended process for exploring the various areas?  I'm pretty sure there
must be loads of people in my position, who need a structured "way in" to
this enormous forest of code.  I think there's a real risk of me writingall
sorts of code unnecessarily, simply because I didn't realise it existed, or
where to find it, in the libraries.

Any suggestions or pointers would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

SteveT

A book is always a good idea.
IIRC Jon Skeet was writting one, see if it's published already.
Otherwise take a look at Amazon and follow the recommentadions or most
probable somebody will post a recommendation here

 

[Jon Skeet [C# MVP]]

A book is always a good idea.
IIRC Jon Skeet was writting one, see if it's published already.

Ebook came out today (or late yesterday). Hard copy should follow in a
few weeks.

However, my book doesn't really cover the class libraries in .NET
except where they directly interact with the language. Instead, it
focuses very strongly on C# as a language.

Otherwise take a look at Amazon and follow the recommentadions or most

I'm not sure I trust Amazon recommendations much. It depends on the
book, but the difficulty is that if the reviewers don't know the
subject matter beforehand they really can't tell to what extent the
author has covered all the material, or indeed how accurate the
information is.

(That's not to discourage anyone from adding Amazon recommendation for
my book, of course.)

probable somebody will post a recommendation here

Done

 

[Steve Thackery]

Here's what you want...

http://quickstarts.asp.net/QuickStartv20/util/classbrowser.aspx

Great. Thanks, Clinton.

SteveT

 

[Arne Vajhøj]

I wasn't asking for a magic formula, or instant knowledge. I was asking
for some kind of structured overview, which would provide a "way in".
Perhaps one with tips and markers from previous travellers.

Open the documentation and drill down:

namespace -> class -> member

usually it is not that difficult to find what you are looking for.

If it fails then google the problem and get some hints for what
to look for.

Arne