learn c# first or asp.net?

[ultimate99]

If I want to learn C# and eventually asp.net, but not interested in desktop applications or windows store app development, but more into a web solution, what should I do at this point? I have no experience in either languages. Generally, very little experience, as this is not a profession. I've been exposed to java, html, css, and sql. I don't have a specific project now, but I'd like to safeguard myself and be prepared.

 

 

If I should I start with C#, i've looked at these books, which would you recommend?

 

http://www.amazon.com/Head-First-C-Jennifer-Greene/dp/1449343503/ref=pd_sim_b_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=1N3DDV4F8CMXWAX7SC35

or

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Visual-2013-Step-Developer/dp/073568183X/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398165957&sr=1-8&keywords=c%23

 

PS: I already started taking this course: https://www.udemy.com/programming-for-complete-beginners-in-csharp/#/

[pmrd]

ASP.net uses C#...

[Andre S. Veteran]

ASP.NET is not a language but a web development framework. It can be used from any .NET language including C#, VB, F#, etc. 

 

You definitely should learn the language before the technology. Both books seem pretty good, I'm not personally a fan of the Head First series as it's too diluted for my tastes but some swear by it.

[+LogicalApex MVC]

I would recommend you learn the way I like to learn (as everyone will do when you ask a question like this)...

 

The way I taught myself programming wasn't to focus so much on the language or the framework per say. That is an OK way to start I'd imagine, but it gives you too much information too soon. As you won't understand the importance of X before having exposure to Q or something... I tend to come up with small projects that I want to make and then learn as I build out this project. I prefer this approach because once I get around to reading detailed information on the language or the framework I can better understand the value of certain things and the pitfalls of others. Otherwise, I feel I would be at the mercy of the author...

 

ASP.NET is a very large framework. IMHO don't go near Web Forms unless you need it for you current job. I have always hated it and it really teaches horrible programming practices. Go to ASP.NET MVC if you go ASP.NET.

 

Don't be shy of MSDN documentation either. Dig into it as you go along and get a real good feel for the language and the conventions of the community.

[Guest]

Go to ASP.NET MVC if you go ASP.NET.

 

As an alternative, he may want to try out ASP.NET Web Pages first. It is bit simpler compared to MVC since for that one you kind of also have to know the pattern, Web Pages would give him an idea about how the basic principles and concepts of ASP.NET work. Afterwards he could always move up to MVC if he feels that Web Pages is a bit too PHP-like or too "unstructured".

 

Agree with the part about Web Forms, it is based on very old ideologies that most people nowadays try to get away from.

[Kalint]

Have fun with MVC routing...

[Kami-]

Have fun with MVC routing...

Why? it's a piece of cake...

[Kalint]

Why? it's a piece of cake...

If you say you've never had routing mismatching issues either your project was too small or you're a witch in case I'll burn you at the stake for witchcraft.

[Woelfel]

You can learn both at the same time...it's easier knowing the language first so you understand what's going on. If you already have knowledge of one "main" programming language, you really shouldn't have a problem learning another. You said you've been exposed to Java...C# is VERY similar to Java...just some minor differences.

[Kami-]

If you say you've never had routing mismatching issues either your project was too small or you're a witch in case I'll burn you at the stake for witchcraft.

Better get your firelighters ready then, huge international project... ;)

[Dav-id]

Take a look at the MS Virtual Academy for some free courses, for example: http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/training-courses/developing-asp-net-mvc-4-web-applications-jump-start

 

Personally I find the most effective way to learn how to do something is to work towards solving a defined goal. For example if I want to learn how to write code in a new language I will either port existing code I have written into that language or I will start from scratch and build a new project that I define rather than following some tutorials. This will force me to problem solve rather than copy and paste code. Copy and pasting code is fine and we all do it but it will not force you to understand what it does and ultimately learn.

Visual Studio does so much for you, especially if you use extensions like ReSharper you will become a pro in no time.

 

[Kalint]

Better get your firelighters ready then, huge international project... ;)