I would suggest you learn C# instead of VB.NET if you are going to be a web
developer. Web development requires a mastery of JavaScript for the
client-side processes that occur in the browser once the page has been
generated on the server and returned to the server. Both C# and JavaScript
are nearly identical syntax and grammar. Learn one and you learn the other.
Start with a textbook to learn the language. There are many good books
around you will eventually hear about but the best books to learn a language
are textbooks. You get textbooks from Deitel & Deitel [1] which can be
ordered or found on the shelves at a Barnes & Noble where you can evaluate
before buying. You should also get into a local college or university
bookstore to see what texts they are using for language instruction. Stay
away from technical schools that only provide two year degree programs as
their 'textbooks' are selected by moron homos that sit on committees (voice
of experience) and their selections are always garbage consumer sh!t that
has always amazed me how the stuff even gets published when it would be much
more valuable as toilet paper.
Amongst many other books, I have "C# A Programmer's Introduction" which
Deitel apparently does not sell anymore. Look for it on Amazon or select one
of the other textbooks from Deitel. They all use 'some' of the framework
during the language lessons but the focus is instructional material focused
on teaching the language not the framework which should be your first
objective.
Once you get through the Deitel book buy QUE Training Guides 70-315 and
70-320 that prepare candidates for the MCAD certification. Even if you are
not intending to become certified the QUE books expose you to excercises and
lessons covering each and every aspect of using the .NET Framework to
develop and deploy ASP.NET applications.
You'll also dop well by purchsing the "C# Class Design Handbook" published
by WROX and you will have as good a foundation as any.
On the other hand, Microsoft is dumbing down VB.NET claiming 70% less code
will have to be written when using ASP.NET 2.0. I've seen proof of this
claim and it is for the most part correct. If you want to learn to be a
dummy then by all means start by learning VB.NET as it will dumb you down if
you do not get a solid foundation of what is going on behind the scenes,
under the covers, up down and around the sides of the syntax and grammar of
VB which is so verbose you will always struggle with JavaScript which like
C# is derived from C and is compact and elegant using only classic software
engineering syntax and grammar. You will also be able to read and understand
Java and when Microsoft achieves its goals to burned the last person on the
face of the earth you could then reuse your C# skills once again by learning
the J2EE framework.
AFIK there really aren't any good books about Visual Studio.NET and I've
looked high and low so you'll have to pick stuff up here and there. Just be
advised Visual Studio.NET is FUBAR when it comes to webpage design and
layout so most people who are not sadistic masochists learn to use FrontPage
or Dreamweaver with Visual Studio.NET noting that approach still has a bunch
of problems unique to the hell Microsoft puts customers through when they
sell dog sh!t and call it a dozen roses.
I've taught in classrooms and I am a perpetual student myself. I don't think
you'll go wrong with my advice noting there is still much to hear and learn
from others. Choose any of the newsgroups to ask questions but try to stay
on topic and try to think clearly crafting a well stated question before
posting which is the best way to get results. Good luck to you and welcome
to the misery loves company club ;-)
--
<%= Clinton Gallagher
METROmilwaukee "Regional Information Services"
NET csgallagher AT metromilwaukee.com
URL
http://clintongallagher.metromilwaukee.com/
[1]
http://www.deitel.com/
"tada991" <ta*****@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:CB**********************************@microsof t.com...
Hello Everyone,
I just purchased Visual Studio .Net Architect 2003 and want to know what's
a good book for begginers to start with. I know nothing about programming
whatsoever, but I do have a desire to learn- as obvious with this
purchase.
So please let me know where I can start and thanks. Also, what newsgroup
should I post my queries to?
