8 Visual Studio Books That Will Transform Your Coding

Drawing from over two decades of experience and a deep commitment to Microsoft technologies, Mark J. Price offers a thorough exploration of C# 10 and .NET 6 that goes beyond basics. You’ll learn how to harness the latest language features, master object-oriented programming, and build cross-platform apps using Visual Studio 2022 and Visual Studio Code. Notably, chapters on ASP.NET Core 6 and Blazor guide you through creating rich web applications with practical examples like MVC patterns and Razor Pages. Whether you’re new to C# or updating skills, this book equips you with a solid foundation and modern techniques to develop websites, services, and apps confidently.

What started as John Sharp's challenge to simplify C# programming has become a detailed manual for developers aiming to master Visual Studio 2017 and C#. Drawing from decades of experience, Sharp guides you through core concepts like variables, methods, and program flow, before advancing to topics such as asynchronous programming, LINQ queries, and integrating Cortana voice commands. You’ll find practical exercises and explanations on building scalable, cloud-connected applications and implementing design patterns like MVVM. This book is well suited for experienced developers who want a thorough, hands-on approach to modern C# development within Visual Studio.

This tailored book explores the full capabilities of Visual Studio, offering a detailed examination of its tools and workflows aligned specifically with your background and goals. It covers essential features like project management, debugging techniques, code refactoring, and extension integration, all selected to match your interests. By focusing on your unique learning needs, this personalized guide delves into both foundational concepts and advanced functionalities, providing a clear path to mastering Visual Studio’s complex environment. The content synthesizes extensive knowledge into an accessible format, enabling you to navigate the IDE efficiently and enhance your software development projects with confidence.

When Ockert J. du Preez wrote this book, he drew on decades of hands-on programming experience and deep familiarity with the .NET ecosystem to create a detailed guide to Visual Studio 2019. You’ll learn how to customize the IDE with your own extensions, leverage advanced debugging and testing tools, and integrate cloud services via Azure—all aimed at improving your coding speed and project quality. The book covers practical features like NuGet package management and JavaScript IntelliSense, making it useful whether you’re new to Visual Studio or a seasoned .NET developer. If you want to master the full capabilities of Visual Studio 2019 for desktop, web, or mobile app development, this book lays out the tools and workflows to get there.

Drawing from extensive experience as a developer contracting globally, Mike McGrath crafted this updated guide to demystify Visual Basic for newcomers and seasoned programmers alike. The book breaks down Visual Basic 2019 into digestible chapters, each building your understanding with clear examples and screenshots, helping you create interactive Windows applications. You’ll learn fundamental programming concepts alongside specific Visual Basic syntax and controls, making it ideal whether you’re entering IT or enhancing your coding skills. McGrath’s approachable style ensures you grasp both basics and the latest Visual Basic techniques without prior programming knowledge.

Philip Conrod's decades of programming experience and IT leadership inspired this detailed guide to Visual Basic 2019. You’ll learn how to build diverse Windows applications using Visual Basic, starting from object-oriented programming basics to advanced topics like database integration with ADO.NET and web applications via ASP.NET. The book offers concrete examples such as creating a loan calculator, games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Blackjack, and graphical data visualizations. If you have some programming exposure and want a thorough, hands-on tutorial focused on Visual Studio 2019, this book provides a deep dive into practical application development.

This tailored book explores targeted techniques and daily practices to elevate your Visual Studio efficiency over one month. It reveals essential tools, shortcuts, and workflows while aligning closely with your current skill level and specific development interests. By focusing on your unique goals, it delivers a personalized learning journey that bridges expert knowledge with your practical needs. Each chapter breaks down Visual Studio features into manageable, focused lessons designed to build confidence and mastery step-by-step. With a personalized approach, this book examines debugging, code navigation, customization, and productivity enhancements, making it an ideal companion to deepen your Visual Studio expertise. It matches your background and objectives, ensuring every tip and trick is relevant and immediately applicable.

After years working directly with enterprise IT solutions at Microsoft, Benjamin Perkins alongside co-authors Jacob Vibe Hammer and Jon D. Reid crafted this guide to help newcomers navigate C# 7 and Visual Studio 2017 with confidence. You’ll start with fundamental concepts like variables and flow control before advancing to object-oriented programming, Windows and web app development, and database integration. The book’s hands-on Try It Out sections and downloadable code examples give you practical experience writing and debugging code. If you’re aiming to build versatile applications using the latest C# features, this book lays out the foundational skills clearly and accessibly, though it’s best suited for those committed to investing time in learning programming basics thoroughly.

Ovais Mehboob Ahmed Khan and Khusro Habib Habib challenge the conventional wisdom that Visual Studio Code is just a lightweight editor by showcasing its power in building multi-platform, cloud-native, and microservices-based applications. You learn not only how to install and customize VS Code but also how to leverage extensions, debug efficiently, and deploy apps on Azure, with practical examples using Node.js, Java, Python, and .NET Core. If you’re seeking to master a versatile tool that supports diverse languages and remote development workflows, this book walks you through key features like Git integration and custom extension creation, making it a solid companion for developers comfortable with basic programming concepts. However, if you prefer a purely beginner-level guide, some familiarity with development fundamentals is expected.

Bruce Johnson's decades of experience in Windows technology and his role as a Microsoft Certified Trainer culminate in this focused guide to Visual Studio Code. You’ll learn how to harness its editing and debugging tools effectively, covering everything from installation on multiple platforms to integrating with tools like Grunt and NPM. The book breaks down complex features such as code refactoring, IntelliSense, and embedded Git control into manageable insights, making it particularly useful if you’re transitioning from another editor or deepening your current skills. If you develop web projects and want a straightforward resource to master Visual Studio Code's capabilities, this book will serve you well, though those seeking broad programming concepts might look elsewhere.