10 .NET Framework 4.5 Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Matthew MacDonald's decades of experience as an author and educator in .NET programming shine through this detailed exploration of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) in .NET 4.5. He guides you from foundational concepts, leveraging your existing C# knowledge, to advanced techniques that streamline development of rich desktop applications. Chapters cover everything from UI composition to performance optimizations, helping you understand how to harness WPF's full potential in professional projects. This book suits developers eager to deepen their mastery of Windows desktop development and build sophisticated user interfaces with confidence.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a Microsoft ASP.NET MVP and technical director, Imar Spaanjaars offers a thorough introduction to ASP.NET 4.5 in this book. You’ll learn how to build dynamic web pages using both C# and VB, progressing through practical examples such as creating the Planet Wrox community site. The book guides you through server control usage, page design consistency, and handling user input with clarity and patience. If you're looking to ground yourself in ASP.NET 4.5 fundamentals while exploring real coding scenarios, this book provides a solid foundation without overwhelming you with jargon or assumptions.

This personalized book explores the essentials and advanced concepts of the .NET Framework 4.5, tailored specifically to your background, skill level, and goals. It delves into core components such as asynchronous programming, Windows Presentation Foundation, and web development using ASP.NET, matching your interests and helping you build a deep, practical understanding. The tailored content carefully synthesizes key knowledge to guide you through complex topics with clarity, focusing on what matters most to your learning journey. By focusing on your specific needs, this book reveals a clear, customized path to mastering .NET 4.5 and applying it effectively in real-world projects.

Andrew Troelsen's extensive experience as a partner and trainer at Intertech, Inc. shapes this thorough guide to C# 5.0 and the .NET 4.5 Framework. The book meticulously updates readers on language changes and new framework features, including asynchronous programming models and Windows 8 style UI APIs, making it especially useful for developers aiming to deepen their understanding of modern C# capabilities. You get a detailed exploration from generics to PLINQ and expanded WPF, WCF, and WF libraries, equipping you with a solid foundation to confidently tackle enterprise-level programming challenges. This text suits intermediate to advanced developers who want to leverage .NET 4.5's full power rather than beginners just starting out.

The methods Ian Griffiths developed as a seasoned WPF consultant and Pluralsight instructor shine throughout this guide, offering a clear path through the complexities of C# 5.0 and .NET 4.5. You’ll explore key programming concepts like generics, dynamic typing, and asynchronous features, with concrete examples that bring these topics to life. The book doesn’t stop at language fundamentals; it dives into applying XAML for Windows 8-style and desktop applications, making it especially useful if you want to bridge traditional and modern app development. If you're an experienced developer aiming to deepen your grasp of C# within the .NET ecosystem, this book aligns well with your goals.

Matthew MacDonald, an MCSD-certified developer and prolific author, brings a clear and focused approach to mastering ASP.NET 4.5 in C#. He starts from the absolute basics, assuming no prior coding knowledge, which makes the book accessible if you're new to programming. Throughout the nearly 1,000 pages, you'll learn to build well-structured web applications using object-oriented principles, code-behind techniques, and database integration within ASP.NET. The chapters on ASP.NET AJAX, debugging, and deployment provide practical insights to help you move toward professional-level projects with confidence. This book suits those committed to deeply understanding ASP.NET 4.5 and C# development rather than quick fixes or superficial overviews.

This personalized book explores a step-by-step journey to mastering .NET Framework 4.5 within one month, tailored to your unique background and goals. It covers core concepts such as C# language features, asynchronous programming, desktop and web application development, and practical use of key APIs. By focusing on your interests, this tailored approach helps you navigate complex topics efficiently, bridging solid expert knowledge with your specific learning needs. The book reveals a personalized pathway that balances foundational understanding with targeted practice, designed to accelerate your proficiency rapidly and confidently.

Christian Nagel’s extensive background as a software architect and Microsoft MVP for Visual C# shapes this detailed exploration of C# 5.0 and .NET 4.5.1. The book walks you through critical updates like changes in Visual Studio 2013, ASP.NET Core enhancements, and new Windows Runtime 2.0 features, providing concrete insights into advanced programming techniques. Chapters on the ADO.NET Entity Framework and Windows Workflow Foundation add depth for developers aiming to leverage .NET’s evolving capabilities. If you're aiming to deepen your understanding of Microsoft's platform with practical, version-specific knowledge, this book delivers a thorough and precise guide tailored for professional developers familiar with C#.

Drawing from decades of hands-on experience with .NET technologies, Christian Nagel and his co-authors crafted this detailed guide to address the needs of seasoned developers updating their skills for C# 2012 and .NET Framework 4.5. You’ll explore intermediate and advanced topics such as LINQ variations, Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Presentation Foundation, and asynchronous programming with the new Async keyword. The book also dives into Windows 8 Metro style app development and integrates practical insights on Visual Studio 2012 usage. If you aim to deepen your understanding of .NET’s evolving landscape and handle complex application scenarios, this book offers the thorough coverage necessary to do so effectively.

Jack Xu's extensive experience as a quantitative analyst and developer shines through in this book, which tackles the complexities of chart programming within the .NET 4.5 framework. You’ll explore practical approaches to building advanced 2D and 3D chart applications using C#, WPF, and the MVVM pattern, with clear explanations of graphics capabilities, data binding, and underlying algorithms. The book also covers integrating databases with SQL Server and LINQ to prepare data, then moves into real-world financial examples like stock charts and linear regression. If you’re aiming to create professional, data-driven charts with reusable controls, this book delivers focused skills grounded in Xu’s Wall Street expertise.

Drawing from her extensive experience developing ASP.NET intranet applications since 2006, Mary Delamater crafted this book to guide you through building professional web applications using C# and ASP.NET 4.5. You'll learn how to create multi-form applications that handle database interactions, validation, and state management, with practical examples integrating HTML5 and CSS3. The book also covers advanced topics such as securing applications, using Ajax, WCF, Web API services, and an introduction to ASP.NET MVC, helping you decide if it fits your needs. Whether you're aiming to improve efficiency with master pages and themes or deploy robust web solutions, this book suits developers ready to deepen their skills in real-world contexts.

The breakthrough moment came when Alessandro Del Sole, a Microsoft MVP deeply embedded in the Visual Basic community, decided to translate his vast experience into a single volume tailored for both novices and seasoned developers. You’ll gain mastery over Visual Basic 2012’s integration with the .NET Framework 4.5, exploring everything from object-oriented programming essentials to advanced topics like asynchronous programming and Windows Phone app development. Del Sole doesn’t just throw concepts at you; chapters on LINQ, WPF, and unit testing provide hands-on frameworks to build robust applications. If you’re ready to deepen your VB skills with real-world application and comprehensive coverage, this book meets that need head-on, though it’s less suited for casual hobbyists seeking brief overviews.