Java/C++ to C#

[PerritoBites]

Looking for some advise on how to learn C#. This would be the first time I will learn a language outside of the "class" environment and I was hoping I can get some advice on these msg boards. I know Java and C++ and I heard C# is a ripoff of Java, so I guess learning C# won't be too hard. Can anyone give me some tips on how to learn this language on my own and what to expect out of C# when compared to Java? I think I should mention that I haven't coded in Java for at least a year and half so I will need to refresh my memory hehe. I was thinking of buying the O'Relly "Programing C#: Building .NET Applications with C#" since the book describes what I want to do. I can probably learn it all from the book, but I have limited time (1 week) and I will be working during that time, so I can really use some advise on how to learn it faster.

Also, if anyone can recommend any code editors, compilers, or whatever it is that you use for C#, I would greatly appreciate it!

[x1hundredregrets]

I would recommend downloading Visual C# Express 2005. It's free, and a good environment to get started.

On top of that I would google something on the lines of "Differences between Java and C#".

Once you read the differences you really should just jump in and start trying stuff. The syntax of the two languages literally are almost identical.

[Tenks]

As said above at the basic levels Java and C# are pretty close. Some of the stuff is a bit different like a Java for-each loop and a C# use slightly different syntax

for(Object obj: objects)

vs

for each(Object obj in objects)

Then at the higher level there are some differences. Such as C# being able to pass by reference, use pointers and have unmanaged code blocks. All things I wish Java would also support. C# can also have delegate methods which I'm not sure if Java can. Java probably can do it via Reflection but it'll be a lot sloppier to read. C# is pretty much just a mash of Java and C++ together to form a pretty good language. Sometimes the language is a tad verbose for me, though.

[Kallian]

I went from 5 years of Java to a development position where I code in C#. Completely painless transition.

You can read all the books you want, but the only way to get rolling is to start coding full time in the language you want to learn. If you *know* Java, you'll be fine after a week of hard work.

In my opinion, multi-platform abilities aside, C# is the better language of the two.

[Fog]

If you ask me, the real gem of programming in C# is the .NET framework. I've never seen a more comprehensive and consistently-designed library.

[niteflyx]

If you're interested in games and want to learn C#, check out the XNA tutorial; can make games for both Windows and the 360.

[x1hundredregrets]

I second the XNA recommendation. If you've never programmed a game, its a good place to get started. I won a local game jam using XNA. My team was able to get a shitload done since hte framework is so lightweight.

[PerritoBites]

Originally Posted by Fog

If you ask me, the real gem of programming in C# is the .NET framework. I've never seen a more comprehensive and consistently-designed library.

That is exactly what I'm going to be using it for.

[Tripamang]

I find it's always easiest to learn a new language if you pick a goal to complete. Books have never done me a bit of good minus using them as references.

With java as a background though C# should be easy, hell learn C# and it probably wouldn't be much more effort to learn C++.

I do both professionally.

[Zippygoose]

Originally Posted by x1hundredregrets

I would recommend downloading Visual C# Express 2005. It's free, and a good environment to get started.

This. Any book you get on C# should also be written from the perspective of Visual Studio 2005.

[Hachima]

2008 edition is out with a 90 day trial also if you want to play with the new stuff

Visual Studio 2008 Trial Downloads

[Jedite]

If you know C++ you can pretty much just jump into C#. The only real HUGE difference is memory management, as in you don't have to delete whatever you create(new operator). Past that everything else is imo C++, with the added uber bonus of the .NET Framework.

Ok I am being a bit simplistic, since some of the general structure of your code changes from C++ to C#, but it is really not hard to get used to. I went from knowing C++ right into C#, and with the MSDN handy you will hardly break a sweat.