Computer programmers have a wide range of languages to work and code in, but one that is gaining popularity for its versatility is C#, which was developed in 2000 by Microsoft.
A general-purpose programming language focusing on portability and typing to code video games and apps, it's in use in a wide variety of programs and growing in use by the year.
Aspiring computer programs are advised to learn C#, and not everyone has the time or money to take a programming class; which is why the best C# books can help coders learn this useful language on their own.
The best C# books on the market today are geared towards a wide audience, with some being ideal for those with no background in computer programming and others aimed at experienced programmers changing their focus to a new language.
Here at C# Station, we've put together a list of the ten best C# books on the market today to help you find the perfect book for your needs. Read on to find the best C# book to help you learn everything you need about this versatile language and get a leg up at your next job interview.
Product | Image | Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Learn C# in One Day and Learn It Well |  Image via Amazon | ||
Murach's C# 2015 |  Image via Amazon | ||
C# in Depth, 3rd Edition |  Image via Amazon | ||
C# 6 for Programmers (6th Edition) |  Image via Amazon | ||
C# 6.0 and the .NET 4.6 Framework |  Image via Amazon | ||
C# 7.0 in a Nutshell |  Image via Amazon | ||
TCP/IP Sockets in C# |  Image via Amazon | ||
The C# Player's Guide (3rd Edition) |  Image via Amazon | ||
Adaptive Code Via C# |  Image via Amazon | ||
C# 7 and .NET Core |  Image via Amazon |
How We Reviewed
The following list of the best C# books was reviewed based on the following parameters - affordability, availability in different formats, suitability for beginners without programming experience, suitability for experienced programmers, ease of reading and following the information, hands-on exercise, and additional features.
Image via Pixabay
Overall Price Range
The following ten best C# books range in price from $10 to $57 when bought new. Six are available in Kindle or other e-book format, ranging in price from free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription to $31. Four can be rented for between $12 and $20.
Top 10 Best C# Book Selections
Learn C# in One Day and Learn It Well
Image via Amazon
FEATURES
This Learn C# in One Day and Learn It Well, one of best c# book, is slightly out of date due to being released in 2015, but the principles of C# remain and this is one of the most exhaustive resources for learning the language on the market.
With over 900 pages and dozens of hands-on exercises for both beginner and experienced programmers, it starts with an introduction to Visual Studio and the concepts of Visual C#.
The chapters progress in a logical fashion, each introducing the basics of a new concept and building on what came before, making it an ideal long-term training guide that will be useful for years to come.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Murach's C# 2015
Image via Amazon
FEATURES
If you don't know your C# from your B- grades, this is a book that's ideal for taking people with zero experience in coding and giving them a basic footing in C# before formal training.
At only 160 pages it's one of the smaller books, but it covers the basics of C# in an easy-to-follow format starting with the variables and operators, and contains simple code loops to learn from.
It doesn't teach the logical principles behind the language, so a supplemental course is ideal for those using those books, but this book will teach you all the terms and syntax you need to know before a deep dive.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
C# in Depth, 3rd Edition
Image via Amazon
FEATURES
Ideal for both beginners and experts, this popular book is geared towards hands-on applications of C# and focuses on the design principles that make code-building with C# one of the easiest language.
It has released three editions, and it's easy to see why it's a popular guides.
After the basic fundamentals of the first few chapters, it gets into specific applications like lambda expressions and dynamic typing that the author, Google engineer Jon Skeet, uses frequently in his work.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
C# 6 for Programmers (6th Edition)
Image via Amazon
FEATURES
One of the newer books on the list, this book is ideal for those who have never learned a programming language before and are ready to go from the basics to more advanced applications.
It gets high marks for its writing and teaching style, which includes a lot of real-world applications and code samples to illustrate specific techniques.
With over 170 applications explained in this book, it's one of the most exhaustive guides on this list, and many programmers report using it as a guide for years as they take on new programming work.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
C# 6.0 and the .NET 4.6 Framework
Image via Amazon
FEATURES
Combining C# and the internet is one of the trickiest parts of programming, and this book focuses on how to attach this programming language to the .NET framework for building web apps.
It looks at classic models like ASP.NET and newer techniques like WPF desktop development, plus tools like the Visual Studio editor.
More geared toward developers with a basic understanding of C#, it skips many of the basics to concentrate on specific applications and gets high marks for its up-to-date tips.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
C# 7.0 in a Nutshell
Image via Amazon
FEATURES
If you're a cutting-edge programmer, this is one of the only books on the list to feature the most current version of C# 7.0 and is a must-read for those who want to keep up on the latest applications.
It focuses on the basic language and frameworks of the programming system at first before evolving into an in-depth look at the applications.
The hands-on exercises are ideal for teaching detailed C# applications and the book also features an in-depth look at the history of C# and its strengths as a programming language.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
TCP/IP Sockets in C#
Image via Amazon
FEATURES
Working with sockets in C# is an essential part of programming, and this short 175-page guide is an exhaustive look at this specific part of programming.
It illustrates how TCP/IP and how to connect into different ports for functions like FTP or SSH, and expands from the basic Socket API skills to functions like multiplexing and multi-threading.
The tutorial-style writing instructs you on how to write the code and provides live examples to illustrate the techniques, making it an ideal book for those interested in this niche subject.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
The C# Player's Guide (3rd Edition)
Image via Amazon
FEATURES
Updated to the latest models of C# and Visual Studio, this guide features basic programming tips for beginners and more advanced tips for experts looking to master a new language.
It focuses on procedural programming before moving on to OOP techniques and how to avoid compiling errors and bugs in your code.
The book has a simple teaching style that anyone can use, making it an ideal book for anyone looking to learn C# whether they have programming experience or not.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Adaptive Code Via C#
Image via Amazon
FEATURES
Agile development is the biggest thing in C# and this adaptive code now has its own exhaustive volume providing 450 pages of lessons and hands-on exercises.
It starts by exploring the SCRUM system and how it applies to C# before showing how it works in Visual Studio. This is a more advanced guide that is ideal for those with a background in C#.
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
C# 7 and .NET Core
Image via Amazon
FEATURES
This is more of an extensive guide to the popular .NET framework and how to apply C# to it on the backend and is the ideal choice for web developers running MS software.
In its second edition, it's added major updates for the 7.0 C# system and relies on the reader having previous knowledge of the language. Focusing on the .NET core and the Entity Framework, it's an ideal resource for experienced programmers
Quality | Check Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
$$ |
Best C# Book FAQ
Image via Pixabay
1. What Is C# and How Can These Books Help Me?
C#, or C-Sharp, is a programming language commonly used in video game and interactive app design.
These books are designed to provide an independent ground-floor introduction to C# without the need for professional training.
2. Are the Best C# Book Suitable for Beginners?
Yes, many of these books are ideal for those without any computer programming experience.
3. Are the Best C# Books Suitable for Experienced Programmers?
Yes, many of these books provide expert-level training, and more experienced programmers can often skip the first few chapters.
4. Are the Best C# Books of the Same Quality as Textbooks in C# Training Courses?
Yes, many of these books are used as textbooks in other classes, giving you the experience and knowledge without the class fees.
5. Where Can I Buy the Best C# Book?
The ten books on this list are available at Amazon, at major bookstores in the computer programming section, and at your local library for checking out free.
The Verdict for Best C# Book
Image via Pixabay
All ten book on this list provide a strong background in C#, with some being ideal for beginner programmers and some for experienced C# users looking for tutorials in specific areas.
However, one book stands out as an exhaustive guide that covers both C# fundamentals and advanced applications for users of all skill levels. C# in Depth, 3rd Edition gets our endorsement as the best C# book on the market today.
Featured Image via commons.wikimedia.org