C# Learning for a Beginner : To do a project without having read big concepts [closed]

Question

After 3 years working as an IT Support Technician, I decided to change of field and get to Programming.

I am learning C# through the Wrox Beginning Visual C# 2008 book, that I use as guideline.

I have read the whole POO part (inheritance, Polymorphism,....delegates,...). I have started the second part which is Windows Programming (Winforms)

I know that lots of you recommend to do some working applications in order to practice, but how can I do some personnal projects if I haven't even started concepts like SQL Server, LINQ or Network Programming, WPF, WCF.... Those topics are enumarated at the end of the book.

I am just trying to find the best method : Should I first finish this book and then start to code, or should I just do a project without having read the hot topics or jump straight forward to those topics.

I dont know if you see what I mean as english isn't my first language. But if you don't I can improve my explanation.

Answer 1

You should code as much as possible. If you have no programming background or experience I suggest starting with a few small projects:

• A calculator: start with the four basic operations and when everything is working add a few more functions and graphing.

When you learn a little about databases:

• A blog engine: from the database generate a HTML file. Create interfaces to add a new post to a database. This doesn't need to be a web application: you can make an WinForms app that will generate a set of HTML files.

When you learn a little about networking:

• An IRC client. The protocol is simple to be implemented and can be fun to write your own client.

And, after that, start your own little personal side projects. It should help you to learn better.