9 Best-Selling .NET 5 Books Millions Love

Discover top .NET 5 books endorsed by Jesse Liberty, offering proven development strategies and popular expert recommendations

Updated on June 24, 2025
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When millions of readers and top experts agree, it’s clear some books stand out in the crowded .NET 5 landscape. This collection highlights 9 best-selling titles that have earned their place through practical insights, real-world application, and expert endorsement. As .NET 5 continues shaping modern software development, these books provide reliable frameworks and techniques embraced by developers worldwide.

Among the experts, Jesse Liberty’s endorsement carries weight. Known for his influential work in C# programming, Liberty praises Mark J. Price’s "C# 9 and .NET 5" for bridging foundational concepts with modern cross-platform development. His recommendation underscores the book’s value for both newcomers and seasoned coders adapting to .NET 5’s evolving features.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific .NET 5 needs might consider creating a personalized .NET 5 book that combines these validated approaches. Tailored content can deepen your learning and speed up mastery by focusing precisely on your goals and background.

Best for modern cross-platform developers
Jesse Liberty, author of Programming C# and Learning C#, brings decades of experience that make his endorsement particularly meaningful for anyone diving into .NET 5. He praises Mark J. Price's book for its detailed, demonstration-rich coverage of C# 9 and .NET 5 features. Jesse highlights how this book helped both newcomers and experienced developers transition smoothly to the latest language updates, underscoring its practical utility. His recommendation aligns perfectly with the book's broad appeal among developers seeking modern, cross-platform development skills.

Recommended by Jesse Liberty

Author of Programming C# and Learning C#

Mark Price's extraordinary book covers every aspect of C# 9 and .NET 5. It is filled with step-by-step demonstrations and will be of tremendous value both to those who want to learn C# and to more experienced C# programmers making the transition to C# 9. Highly recommended!

Unlike most programming books that focus solely on syntax, Mark J. Price offers a thorough guide to building real applications with C# 9 and .NET 5, emphasizing practical development across platforms. You learn not only the latest language features like records and top-level programs but also how to create websites with ASP.NET Core and rich web experiences using Blazor, all through hands-on projects in Visual Studio Code. This book suits those new to C# as well as programmers seeking to update their skills for modern cross-platform development, providing clear chapters on entity framework, mobile apps, and more. It’s a solid resource if you want to bridge foundational concepts with contemporary .NET 5 application-building techniques.

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Ravindra Akella, a senior consultant at Microsoft with over 14 years of software development expertise, brings his deep knowledge of .NET and Azure to this book. His experience leading large-scale architecture and delivery projects shapes a resource that equips you to build professional-grade enterprise applications. Akella’s background in embracing new technologies and delivering international talks underscores the practical insights you'll find here, guiding you from core .NET 5 concepts to cloud deployment and testing strategies.
2021·610 pages·.NET 5, .NET, Software Development, Web Development, Cloud Computing

What started as Ravindra Akella's passion for mastering enterprise-grade applications evolved into a detailed guide that takes you through building a complete web application with C# 9 and .NET 5. You’ll learn to navigate advanced data structures, dependency injection, and authentication schemes while crafting a scalable app layer by layer. The book dives into cloud deployment on Azure and shows how to leverage Visual Studio 2019 tools to boost your productivity. If you’re aiming to deepen your practical skills in .NET 5 and enterprise development, this book offers a methodical approach without overwhelming you with unnecessary jargon.

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Best for custom .NET 5 solutions
This AI-created book on .NET 5 development is crafted based on your programming background, skill level, and specific challenges you face. You share which areas of .NET 5 interest you most and what goals you want to reach, then receive a book that zeroes in on those topics. Personalization matters here because .NET 5 spans many domains, and a focused guide helps you learn efficiently without wading through unrelated material.
2025·50-300 pages·.NET 5, Software Development, C# Programming, Application Architecture, Performance Tuning

This tailored book explores proven .NET 5 techniques that have demonstrated consistent success across diverse development scenarios. It offers a personalized exploration of battle-tested methods, carefully matched to your unique challenges and goals within the .NET 5 ecosystem. By focusing on your background and interests, it reveals how to apply reliable approaches to real-world problems, enhancing your mastery of the platform. The book covers key areas including application architecture, performance tuning, and integration strategies, providing a clear pathway through the complexities of .NET 5 development. This personalized guide enables you to deepen your understanding and accelerate your skills by concentrating on insights that align directly with your needs.

Tailored Guide
Performance Tuning
3,000+ Books Created
Best for scalable full-stack developers
Devlin Basilan Duldulao is a seasoned full-stack engineer recognized as a Microsoft MVP and Auth0 ambassador, blending over 8 years of cloud and web development expertise. His journey from medicine to coding inspired him to write this book, focusing on creating maintainable, scalable applications with ASP.NET Core 5 and Vue.js 3. Devlin’s strong emphasis on clean architecture and practical deployment strategies makes this guide a valuable resource for developers aiming to modernize their skillset and streamline enterprise app development.
2021·478 pages·ASP.NET Core, Vue.js 3, .NET 5, Software Development, Web Development

When Devlin Basilan Duldulao decided to merge his expertise in full-stack development with his passion for clean, maintainable code, he crafted this guide to building scalable web applications using ASP.NET Core 5 and Vue.js 3. You’ll learn how to implement essential patterns like CQRS and the mediator pattern in the backend, while mastering Vuex for frontend state management and Vuetify for UI components. The book’s practical focus on TypeScript integration, security with JWT, and deploying to Azure using GitHub Actions makes it particularly useful if you want to rapidly develop enterprise-grade applications with modern tools. It’s tailored for .NET developers comfortable with C# and JavaScript who need efficient, pragmatic solutions without wading through unnecessary theory.

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Best for Angular and .NET integrators
Valerio De Sanctis is a seasoned IT professional with 20 years of experience leading programming and project management efforts across financial and insurance sectors. As a Microsoft MVP and active contributor on Stack Exchange, he combines deep technical expertise with practical insights in this book. His background as Chief Technology and Security Officer informs a pragmatic approach to building secure, scalable web applications using ASP.NET Core 5 and Angular 11, making this guide especially valuable for developers aiming to expand their full-stack capabilities.

Valerio De Sanctis brings two decades of hands-on experience in web development and IT leadership to this edition, aimed at developers ready to harness both ASP.NET Core 5 and Angular 11 together. You’ll learn how to architect and deploy full-stack applications by integrating Entity Framework Core with Angular’s reactive forms, mastering debugging with Visual Studio 2019, and implementing robust testing using xUnit, Jasmine, and Karma. The book guides you through deploying to various environments including Azure, Windows, and Linux, making it highly practical for those building scalable, secure web apps. If you’re already comfortable with ASP.NET and Angular basics, this resource sharpens your skills for real-world application development and deployment challenges.

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Best for React and .NET full-stack coders
Carl Rippon has been involved in the software industry for over 20 years, developing complex business applications across various sectors. With nearly a decade focused on single-page applications using technologies like ReactJS and TypeScript, Rippon brings a wealth of practical knowledge. His extensive writing and hands-on experience underpin this guide, which helps you navigate the latest in .NET 5 and React to build scalable, secure, and cloud-ready web applications.

Carl Rippon's deep experience in software development leads you through building modern web applications combining .NET 5 and React with TypeScript. You’ll learn practical skills like creating RESTful APIs with ASP.NET Core, securing them with identity and authorization policies, and crafting interactive React components using hooks and Redux. Chapters cover testing strategies for both frontend and backend, plus deploying to Azure with CI/CD pipelines, making it a solid guide for full-stack development. If you want to strengthen your C# and JavaScript skills while mastering cloud-ready app design, this book offers a focused, hands-on path without assuming prior React knowledge.

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Best for personal action plans
This AI-created book on .NET 5 development is crafted precisely around your current skills and the specific goals you've set. By sharing your background and desired focus areas, you receive a book that concentrates on the parts of .NET 5 most relevant to your progress timeline. This tailored approach makes it easier to achieve meaningful results quickly, without wading through general content that doesn't fit your needs. It's like having a developer coach who knows exactly where to guide your learning efforts for maximum impact.
2025·50-300 pages·.NET 5, .NET 5 Basics, C# Features, Cross-Platform Apps, ASP.NET Core

This tailored book on .NET 5 delves into a focused, rapid learning journey designed to match your unique background and objectives. By combining widely validated knowledge with your specific interests, it explores practical, step-by-step actions that help you achieve tangible progress in just 30 to 90 days. The content covers essential .NET 5 concepts, development techniques, and modern application practices tailored to your skill level and goals. This personalized guide facilitates an efficient learning experience by zeroing in on what matters most to you, enabling swift advancement in mastering .NET 5 development through customized, targeted exploration of reader-validated insights.

Tailored Guide
Rapid Development
1,000+ Happy Readers
Exploring Windows Presentation Foundation offers a focused look at WPF technology tailored for .NET 5, combining foundational concepts with practical application. This book’s steady appeal among developers comes from its clear explanations and the way it bridges beginner topics—like window and event basics—with advanced ideas such as MVVM and API data handling. You’ll find guidance on structuring your applications with modern patterns and working effectively with XAML, making it a solid choice for anyone aiming to deepen their desktop development skills within the .NET ecosystem.
2020·240 pages·.NET 5, WPF, XAML, Software Development, Event Handling

Taurius Litvinavicius draws from his deep experience in Windows application development to guide you through the nuances of Windows Presentation Foundation with .NET 5. You’ll move beyond basics like windows and text boxes to more intricate topics such as MVVM architecture, API data retrieval, and XAML styling. The chapters dedicated to event handling and file management provide concrete skills you can apply immediately. This book suits developers familiar with C# who want to confidently build or maintain desktop applications using modern .NET technologies, offering a clear path through WPF's layered complexity without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for design pattern enthusiasts
Carl-Hugo Marcotte is a senior .NET developer and independent consultant based in Ottawa, Canada, with decades of experience spanning software architecture, C#, ASP.NET Core, and cloud technologies. His deep commitment to sharing knowledge, demonstrated through teaching and active blogging, informs this book’s practical approach to design patterns and architectural principles within .NET 5. Drawing on his extensive career developing enterprise projects and mentoring adult learners, Marcotte offers you a clear path to mastering flexible, maintainable web applications using modern .NET technologies.
2020·764 pages·Design Patterns, ASP.NET Core, .NET 5, ASP.NET, Software Development

Drawing from his extensive experience as a senior .NET developer and consultant, Carl-Hugo Marcotte crafted this guide to illuminate the practical application of design patterns within the evolving .NET 5 framework. You’ll learn to implement SOLID principles, master dependency injection, and navigate patterns like strategy, decorator, and composite, progressing from component-level details to full application architectures such as clean architecture and event-driven microservices. The book’s structure, starting with foundational concepts and building toward complex patterns, suits developers aiming to enhance code flexibility and maintainability, particularly those comfortable with C# and web fundamentals. While the detailed coverage benefits intermediate developers, beginners with a solid grasp of C# will find a structured path into scalable web app design.

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Best for .NET 5 beginners
Andreas Helland brings 20 years of software engineering expertise to this book, combining his deep knowledge of both development and infrastructure. As an early adopter of Azure and cloud technologies, his insights offer a solid foundation for learning ASP.NET Core 5. This book is tailored to guide you through building scalable, cloud-ready web applications with practical examples and clear explanations, making it a valuable resource for anyone starting in .NET web development.
2021·602 pages·ASP.NET Core, .NET 5, ASP.NET, .NET, Software Development

When Andreas Helland, with his extensive two-decade background in software engineering and hands-on experience in both development and infrastructure, wrote this book, he aimed to demystify ASP.NET Core 5 for newcomers. You’ll find clear explanations of essential concepts such as building RESTful APIs, implementing security with identity, and deploying apps on cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. The book walks you through practical examples, including working with Blazor for interactive UIs and SignalR for real-time notifications, helping you grasp the framework’s capabilities. If you’re comfortable with C# and want a structured entry into modern web app development using .NET 5, this guide fits the bill without overwhelming you.

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Best for jQuery Ajax practitioners
This book stands out among .NET 5 resources by focusing specifically on using jQuery Ajax with View Components to streamline data handling in web apps. Its step-by-step approach guides you through adding controllers, views, and models, then moves into sending and retrieving data seamlessly between client and server. This makes it especially valuable for developers looking to enhance their web projects with Ajax functionality without overwhelming detail. By addressing a common need—dynamic data interaction—this book fills a practical niche in the .NET 5 ecosystem.
2021·44 pages·.NET 5, Ajax, Web Development, View Components, Controllers

The methods Melvin Dev developed while crafting this guide focus tightly on integrating jQuery Ajax with ASP.NET Core 5's View Components, breaking down the essential steps for creating a functional web app. You learn how to add controllers, views, and models, then how to send and retrieve data between client and server using Ajax calls efficiently. This book suits developers who want a practical introduction to combining these technologies without wading through unnecessary theory. For example, the chapter on searching data via Ajax illustrates a direct approach to dynamic server-client interaction. If you're looking for a concise, hands-on guide to these specific tools, this book delivers straightforwardly.

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Conclusion

This curated collection of 9 .NET 5 books reveals several clear themes: a commitment to practical, tested development methods; emphasis on both front-end and back-end ecosystems; and a widespread validation by industry experts and readers alike. If you prefer proven methods for mastering cross-platform applications, start with Mark J. Price’s "C# 9 and .NET 5" and Ravindra Akella’s enterprise development guide. For validated full-stack approaches, consider combining "ASP.NET Core 5 and Angular" with "ASP.NET Core and Vue.js".

Each book offers a unique angle on .NET 5, from beginner-friendly introductions to advanced architectural patterns. Alternatively, you can create a personalized .NET 5 book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in building robust, modern applications with .NET 5.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "C# 9 and .NET 5" by Mark J. Price, recommended by Jesse Liberty for its clear, practical approach to modern .NET development. It balances fundamental concepts with hands-on projects, perfect for easing into the ecosystem.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to .NET 5?

Not at all. "ASP.NET Core 5 for Beginners" offers step-by-step tutorials tailored to newcomers, while other titles range from beginner to advanced, letting you pick what fits your current skill level best.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides like "C# 9 and .NET 5" and "ASP.NET Core 5 for Beginners." Then explore specialized topics such as "An Atypical ASP.NET Core 5 Design Patterns Guide" or full-stack options like "ASP.NET Core 5 and Angular."

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can certainly pick based on your goals. For example, focus on "Enterprise Application Development with C# 9 and .NET 5" if you want scalable apps, or "ASP.NET Core and Vue.js" for full-stack web development. No need to read all.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast .NET 5 changes?

These books specifically target .NET 5 and were published within its active lifecycle, ensuring relevance. They cover core and evolving features, making them reliable references for current development.

How can I get .NET 5 learning tailored to my specific goals and experience?

While these expert books provide solid foundations, personalized books can focus exactly on your background and objectives. Combining proven methods with custom content accelerates learning. Explore creating a personalized .NET 5 book to get started.

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