Rating: 
Summary: Excellent First Book on .NET
Review: If you want to learn .NET, the very first step is to learn a .NET language. C# is probably the best one to choose. Some .NET programming books offer an overview of C#, which is never sufficient for learning the language in earnest. This book covers C# the core language, using clear explanations and to the point examples. It's an easy read. Actually even includes an overview on object oriented programming, though there are much better books out there for learning that. I think the best is an oldie by Robert Lafore, "Object Oriented Programming in Turbo C++", which is also probably the best book ever written on core C++. This book also primes you on the fundamentals of the .NET architecture, though not much more than that. If you need
a deeper understanding of .NET architecture and familiarity with it's class library, then you need other books besides this one. The focus on C# Primer Plus is squarely on the core language, as all the examples use the Console class. In some respects that's a good thing, though I would've preferred more exposure to the class library. So the "Plus" in the title is
somewhat misleading. There is no companion CD. If you want to run the examples, and tinker with them, then you better type it in yourself, which is just as well since it helps you learn the language. My main legitimate gripe with this book are the cheap diagrams. Mostly, the author just uses arrows pointing code snippets to explanations, no highlighting or shading, no images, and rarely even borders. Eventhough it's an excellent book, it would've been great with better diagrams and figures. It's an excellent first choice for a .NET book. You then need to follow it up either with one that includes a rigorous explanation of .NET fundamentals, or with a "Programming" book on Windows or ASP.NET. So you are going to need at least 2-3 books to learn .NET. This one is a good logical choice for the first.
Rating:
Summary: Mostly for beginners
Review: It would be unfair for me to judge this book on the notion that I have been programming for a number of years prior to reading this book so I'll give it four stars based on the view of what I would consider to be good for a beginner. For the most part, I found it to be geared more towards beginners; I prefer a book that explains the syntax of the language without worrying about explaining the principals of programming. If you are already fluent in another language such as C, C++, Visual Basic or Java you will more then likely find this book to be too wordy. The author reiterates basic programming techniques multiple times throughout the book. Had this been geared towards experts, it could have been written in half the pages. For example, two long chapters focus on the data types found in C# and another two long chapters focus on decision-making and loops. It took me a long time to get through these chapters because it couldn't keep my attention long enough. Depending on how much you can figure out on your own after reading this book, you might find yourself needing a more advanced book later. The book does not cover more advanced topics such as Forms. On the other hand, it does provide you with the knowledge needed to look up the information for yourself. All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to anybody first starting out in programming. Experts should be prepared for the wordiness and beginners should be prepared for either another book or reading through the ".NET Framework Documentation" to learn the more advanced topics.
Rating:
Summary: C# Simplified!!
Review: One thing I love about this book is the simplification of complex facts by comparing them to REAL world things. The elevator example that runs through the book is so good that I picked up C# concepts in a minute. His treatment of "Abstraction" for example, was much easier than other authors' (for example, Deitel's) treatment. Cons:
I printed out a huge list (19 pages) of errata. Make sure you visit the website and download that list. Though many, I still give him *****. Most of it are minor mistakes. Ignore most of those mistakes and focus on the content and SUBJECT MATTER of the book. It is about one of the best books you will find. Make sure you read this book before going on to read books like "Programming C#" by my favorite boy Jesse Liberty. That book is the "Bible". Trust me! I actually read the books interchangeably....When Jesse assumes that I know and does not give the "idiot's explanations" that I expect, I rush to Klaus and then AHA!!
Rating: 
Summary: Speaking as a Beginner...
Review: Speaking as someone who is new both to programming and C#, I can honestly say this book is "the one" that is finally making all those lightbulbs go off in my head. Using real-life examples and throwing in a little humor for good measure, the author manages to make sense out of the "language" of programming. He gently guides you toward a greater understanding of how a program is constructed, how both the programmer and the computer think about the program that is constructed, and why it all works out in the end. He seems to presuppose the questions a novice like me will come up with and then offers clear and insightful answers. I am very pleased with the book and hope to see more titles from Michelsen.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for a beginner or intermediate
Review: This book clearly explains all about C# and OOP. You should read it if you intend to learn this new programming language from Microsoft!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: This is an excellent book for those that are looking to learn C#. The book concentrates on the LANGUAGE of C# and in doing so provides an excellent learning tool for beginning developers. Visual Studio is not covered in this book and all examples are done through the command line. This is great for those that cannot afford to buy a full release of Visual Studio, as you can begin developing with the .NET SDK. Yes, the book has some typos, but overall, it is by far one of the best books that I've ever read on computer programming.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book on C#
Review: This is an excellent book that takes the reader from inception of programming with C# to the advanced level. The explanations are crystal clear and by the virtue of the fact that the writer does not focus on Windows Form, it does not distract the student learning the fundamentals of the langauge. I have compared this to the title "beginning C#" by Wrox. Do not bother getting the title beginning C# by Wrox as the flow of the book is not consistent and there are a number of areas where the author does not express him self clearly and fails to convey the message effectively. I have worked through all the chapters of this great title and I can assure you that when you complete the book and work through all the exercises, you will be able to code effectively using C#. Your second book after this title must be one specialised on windows forms and the .NET framework probably the new titles from MSPress - Programming Windows(r) with C# (Core Reference) by Petzold (currently reading it) and Applied Microsoft .NET Framework Programming by Jeffery Richter. I have given it four stars because a)There are a number of typos which have been corrected by an errata available at the publishers site. b)There are certain aspects of coding the author has not taken into account such as multi-threading etc. Overall a well thought, cut and presented book on C#"
Rating:
Summary: The best book out there for new to OO
Review: This is one of three books that I purchased in order to learn C# and learn it fast. The other two are Robert Oberg's "Introduction to .Net Programming using C#" and Jesse Liberty's "Learn C#". This book really surprised me with how good it is. I think this is Klaus Michelsen's first book (I may be wrong) but this is an excellent book and it concentrates on the C# language. I am not one of those people who give 5-stars just because several other people gave it 5-stars. If you only buy 1 book to learn C#, I would highly recommend this book. As a book geared toward learning C#, you should follow up with a more advanced book on C#.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent beginner book on learning C#
Review: This is one of three books that I purchased in order to learn C# and learn it fast. The other two are Robert Oberg's "Introduction to .Net Programming using C#" and Jesse Liberty's "Learn C#". This book really surprised me with how good it is. I think this is Klaus Michelsen's first book (I may be wrong) but this is an excellent book and it concentrates on the C# language. I am not one of those people who give 5-stars just because several other people gave it 5-stars. If you only buy 1 book to learn C#, I would highly recommend this book. As a book geared toward learning C#, you should follow up with a more advanced book on C#.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent beginner book on learning C#
Review: This is one of three books that I purchased in order to learn C# and learn it fast. The other two are Robert Oberg's "Introduction to .Net Programming using C#" and Jesse Liberty's "Learn C#". This book really surprised me with how good it is. I think this is Klaus Michelsen's first book (I may be wrong) but this is an excellent book and it concentrates on the C# language. I am not one of those people who give 5-stars just because several other people gave it 5-stars. If you only buy 1 book to learn C#, I would highly recommend this book. As a book geared toward learning C#, you should follow up with a more advanced book on C#.
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