Programming with .NET:
A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

What is this course about?

This introductory course provides a broad overview of and hands-on experience with the basics of C#, Visual Basic, Windows programming, ASP.NET and ADO.NET database access. You also learn to leverage Visual Studio for code generation, user interface design, testing and debugging. You will also learn to build SQL Server databases and access them using ADO.NET.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course is a broad introduction to programming using .NET. It is designed for those new to programming and others who want an overview of creating applications using .NET and Visual Studio.

Typical participants include:

• Aspiring programmers
• Mainframe programmers
• Web designers
• Database and network administrators

What background do I need?

Attendees should have basic computer skills and some basic understanding of the programming process and how computer programs work. Some prior programming experience is helpful, but not required. Typical participants would be aspiring programmers, and also people with experience in languages like HTML, SQL, COBOL, RPG, etc.

Which version of Visual Studio is used in this course?

This course uses Visual Studio 2010.

I want to learn how to program in Visual Basic. Should I take this course or Course 503, Visual Basic^® Programming for .NET: Hands-On?

If you are an experienced programmer and are moving to .NET you should likely take Course 503. Course 503 is a more advanced course than this course, and it covers the Visual Basic language in greater detail. If you have never programmed or if your programming experience is limited, Course 502 provides prerequisite knowledge that will make Course 503 easier.

I want to learn how to program in C#. Should I take this course or Course 419, C# Programming: Hands-On?

If you are an experienced programmer and are moving to .NET you should consider Course 419. Course 419 is a more advanced course than Course 502, and it covers the C# language in greater detail. If you have never programed or if your programming experience is limited, Course 502 provides prerequisite knowledge that will make Course 419 easier.

Does this course teach me to write both Windows and Web applications?

This course teaches the basics of writing any computer application whether it uses a Windows or Web user interface. The basics of ASP.NET are covered including creating Web applications and virtual directories, processing Web Forms, ASP.NET authentication and authorization and themes. Those who want more in-depth knowledge of Web-based development should consider taking Course 512, ASP.NET WebForms: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction.

I am a Web designer with no programming experience, and I want to begin using ASP.NET. Is this course right for me?

Yes. This course provides the fundamental programming skills needed for developing an ASP.NET application. Participants in this class gain the skills to:

• Apply programming logic
• Write basic code
• Debug and handle errors in applications
• Leverage Visual Studio to simplify development
• Translate user requirements into application design
• Create classes
• Build databases
• Create virtual directories and Web application for IIS
• Program ASP.NET Web UIs
• Configure ASP.NET Web security
• Style sites with ASP.NET Themes

How much time is spent on each topic?

How much time is devoted to hands-on exercises?

Approximately 45% of class time is spent doing hands-on exercises. You develop a complete application, from the ground up, which includes a database, a business class and Web and Windows user interfaces. Hands-on exercises include:

• Writing applications using C# and Visual Basic language constructs
• Leveraging Visual Studio tools for rapid application development
• Testing and debugging Visual Basic applications
• Programming Windows user interfaces
• Programming ASP.NET Web applications

Does this course teach me how to develop applications using the .NET Framework?

Yes. The .NET Framework is not merely a set of tools for developing Windows applications on existing platforms. It incorporates a uniquely radical runtime environment and component model for developing and running software applications.

This course teaches you how to use Visual Studio to exploit this platform, by showing you how to create graphical user interfaces, write Visual Basic and C# code, compile, deploy, debug and run your applications.

Does this course teach me how to use Visual Studio?

Yes. You learn how solutions and projects are created and structured. You leverage the tools included in Visual Studio to make application development easier. These tools include: Solution Explorer, Server Explorer, the help system, the enhanced code editor and more.

Is database technology covered?

Yes, this course teaches basic relational database concepts. You learn how to use Visual Studio to create a SQL Server database and how to run queries using ADO.NET. Query syntax is also covered.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

Depending on what you would like to learn next:

• 419, C# Programming: Hands-On offers advanced coverage of the C# language and its object -oriented features.
• 973, Programming C# Extended Features: Hands-On offers advanced coverage of the C# extended features to streamline data-centric applications.
• 503, Visual Basic® Programming for .NET: Hands-On provides advanced coverage of the VB .NET language and its OO features.
• 975, Windows® Presentation Foundation (WPF) and Silverlight Introduction: Hands-On provides the skills to program applications that integrate the major components of WPF.
• 512, ASP.NET WebForms: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction provides advanced coverage of ASP.NET Web applications.
• 933, Introduction to Modern Software Development provides the skills to analyze, design, program and test software projects.
• 209, VBA Programming: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction  offers the fundamentals of VBA programming, as well as how to use it to automate repetitive actions in Microsoft Office applications.

Other courses covering aspects of the .NET family of programming languages and technologies include:

• 506, Building Web Applications with ASP.NET and Ajax: Hands-On 
• 511, .NET Best Practices and Design Patterns: Hands-On 
• 2601, Programming WCF Web Services for .NET: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction