10 Best-Selling .NET Framework 4.5 Books Millions Love

What makes this book both expert-recommended and reader-beloved is Rick Kiessig's focus on squeezing maximum performance from ASP.NET 4.5 and SQL Server environments. Drawing from over 30 years of experience with companies like Microsoft and eBay, Kiessig shares targeted, high-impact tactics rather than overwhelming you with options. You'll learn to identify common performance pitfalls—such as session state issues—and implement improvements across the full stack, from client-side optimization to back-end infrastructure. This book is particularly beneficial if you're responsible for architecting scalable, high-traffic web applications and want practical guidance grounded in real-world scenarios.

Matthew MacDonald challenges the conventional wisdom that beginners need multi-language exposure by focusing exclusively on C# in ASP.NET 4.5. You start from scratch, learning key concepts like object orientation and code-behind techniques that make your code cleaner and easier to maintain. The book walks you through database querying, AJAX enhancements, debugging, and deployment, equipping you with skills to handle both development and scaling challenges. If you're new to ASP.NET and want a focused, practical guide that builds your confidence for professional projects, this book matches that need well.

This tailored book explores battle-tested methods to optimize the performance of .NET Framework 4.5 web applications. It examines how to enhance application speed, improve resource management, and fine-tune runtime behavior specifically for your development background and goals. By focusing on your interests in performance optimization, this book reveals practical techniques and insights that have proven valuable to millions of developers. The personalized content ensures that the material matches your experience level and addresses specific challenges you want to overcome in .NET 4.5 web apps. It provides a focused learning experience to deepen your understanding of critical performance factors and efficient coding practices.

Unlike most .NET Framework books that skim over basics, this one digs deep into the intermediate and advanced capabilities of C# 2012 and .NET 4.5, crafted by Christian Nagel and his co-authors with decades of development experience. You’ll explore complex topics such as LINQ variations, asynchronous programming with the Async keyword, Windows Communication Foundation, and Metro style apps on Windows 8. The chapters on Visual Studio 2012 integration and memory management provide concrete skills that sharpen your coding and architectural decisions. If you’re already comfortable with C# but want to fully leverage .NET 4.5’s enhancements, this guide will meet you where you are and push your expertise further.

Unlike most .NET Framework 4.5 books that focus solely on syntax or API references, Matthew MacDonald brings his extensive experience as an MCSD developer and educator to deliver a truly practical guide to Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). You’ll start with solid foundational concepts rooted in your existing C# knowledge before moving into advanced topics like customizing user interfaces and optimizing performance. The book’s no-nonsense examples and detailed explanations make mastering WPF’s capabilities accessible, whether you’re building desktop apps or rich Windows experiences. If you want a resource that bridges theory and practice without fluff, this book fits the bill, though it’s best suited for developers with some C# background.

What started as a need to clarify the complexities of Windows Presentation Foundation became Matthew MacDonald's detailed guide to mastering WPF 4.5 using Visual Basic. You’ll gain a solid grasp of foundational concepts before progressing to advanced topics, all through examples that highlight efficiency and practical application. Chapters walk you through building rich, interactive user interfaces leveraging the full power of the .NET Framework 4.5, making it ideal for developers familiar with VB aiming to deepen their WPF skills. If you want a resource that balances theory with hands-on coding, this book fits the bill, though beginners new to VB might find parts challenging.

This tailored book offers a focused journey through the essentials of creating and launching applications with .NET Framework 4.5. It explores step-by-step processes that guide you from initial setup to deployment, emphasizing rapid development without sacrificing quality. By matching your background and goals, it concentrates on the aspects of .NET 4.5 app creation that matter most to you, enhancing your learning efficiency. The content covers core concepts, practical coding techniques, and deployment considerations, revealing the nuances that enable fast, effective app launches. This personalized approach helps you build confidence as you navigate the .NET ecosystem, making the complex world of application development accessible and engaging.

This isn't another programming book promising surface-level coverage; instead, it dives deep into Visual Basic 2012 integrated with .NET Framework 4.5, highlighting advanced topics like ADO.NET data access, ASP.NET web programming, and threading. Authored by Bill Sheldon, a respected Visual Basic MVP, along with a team of experts, the book walks you through practical uses of new .NET features such as Async and LINQ, while also tackling exception handling and deployment strategies. If you're aiming to master Visual Basic in a modern .NET environment, this book equips you with the technical insights and tools to build sophisticated applications effectively.

Dan Mabbutt's extensive experience in software development shines through this detailed guide to ASP.NET 4.5 using VB. The book methodically covers essential skills, from querying databases to securing websites, and advances into client-side validation and Ajax integration. You'll find clear explanations of XML applications and practical insights into creating reliable, dynamic web applications. Whether you're refining your ASP.NET expertise or tackling complex site features, this book offers a solid foundation for developers aiming to build professional-grade ASP.NET sites.

What started as Christian Nagel's extensive experience as a Microsoft Certified Trainer and MVP for Visual C# became a detailed guide for developers navigating the evolving .NET ecosystem. This book takes you beyond basics, covering C# 5.0 features and the specific updates in .NET Framework 4.5.1, including changes to Visual Studio 2013, ASP.NET Core, MVC, Web API, and Windows Runtime 2.0. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of advanced programming techniques, Entity Framework updates, and workflow foundations, making it ideal if you’re upgrading skills or transitioning from C/C++. If you're seeking a deep dive into the technical shifts in .NET 4.5.1, this book fits the bill, though beginners might find the pace challenging.

Millions have turned to this book as their gateway into mastering C# and the .NET 4.5 framework. Andrew Troelsen, with his extensive background as a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer and trainer for enterprise web developers, delivers a detailed guide that covers both foundational and advanced topics. You will explore new asynchronous programming models, updated WPF and WCF libraries, and how C# integrates HTML5 for web applications, all presented across 25 chapters designed to build your confidence and competence. This book suits you if you're aiming to deepen your understanding of .NET internals and leverage the platform's latest features for professional software development.

Drawing from his extensive experience as a Microsoft ASP.NET MVP and technical director, Imar Spaanjaars designed this book to ease you into ASP.NET 4.5 with approachable examples and a clear progression. You'll explore how to build dynamic web pages using both C# and VB, create consistent page designs, and handle user input effectively. The Planet Wrox website example guides you through real-world implementations, making concepts tangible rather than abstract. If you're new to ASP.NET or want a solid foundation in Microsoft's web framework, this book walks you through essential skills without overwhelming jargon.