C# features
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I’m writing my main project in c++ but in order to get better at c++ I need to improve my c# skills. My question is what should a person learn after getting comfortable with variables, lists and classes in C#. I remember seeing helper constructs that make certain operations when dealing with lists easier but at that time I could not understand them. What would be your recommendation for let’s say top four things to know after learning the basics in C#?
If you want to improve your C# skills then randomly asking "what should I learn next" isn't the best way: there is just too much stuff in there. At it's heart, C# is a pretty simple language, but it's tightly integrated with the .NET framework which is frankly enormous. While variables and classes are part of C#, Lists and such like aren't - they are part of the framework. And while C# and C++ look pretty similar they really aren't, they are very different languages, which can use the same framework but don't have to - C++ doesn't need to use .NET at all! So "learning C# to get better at C++" isn't really a brilliant idea because you are learning stuff that isn't relevant and may not be transferable. It may be easier to learn how to think like a developer in C# because it's a lot more forgiving and the .NET framework adds a hugely rich set of support classes but learning specific features isn't the way to do it as they are probably not transferable to "vanilla" C++ What I'd suggest is this: if you want to learn a language then go on a course, or get a book and learn that language. Don't try to learn "X" in the hope it'll make "Y" work as well because it won't - like learning to fly a drone won't teach you to fly a helicopter! That applies to C# and C++.
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
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If you want to improve your C# skills then randomly asking "what should I learn next" isn't the best way: there is just too much stuff in there. At it's heart, C# is a pretty simple language, but it's tightly integrated with the .NET framework which is frankly enormous. While variables and classes are part of C#, Lists and such like aren't - they are part of the framework. And while C# and C++ look pretty similar they really aren't, they are very different languages, which can use the same framework but don't have to - C++ doesn't need to use .NET at all! So "learning C# to get better at C++" isn't really a brilliant idea because you are learning stuff that isn't relevant and may not be transferable. It may be easier to learn how to think like a developer in C# because it's a lot more forgiving and the .NET framework adds a hugely rich set of support classes but learning specific features isn't the way to do it as they are probably not transferable to "vanilla" C++ What I'd suggest is this: if you want to learn a language then go on a course, or get a book and learn that language. Don't try to learn "X" in the hope it'll make "Y" work as well because it won't - like learning to fly a drone won't teach you to fly a helicopter! That applies to C# and C++.
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
I understand, C# is not just a beginners language it’s a language used for serious things. I’m looking to learn the features with a general purpose scope
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I’m writing my main project in c++ but in order to get better at c++ I need to improve my c# skills. My question is what should a person learn after getting comfortable with variables, lists and classes in C#. I remember seeing helper constructs that make certain operations when dealing with lists easier but at that time I could not understand them. What would be your recommendation for let’s say top four things to know after learning the basics in C#?
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I understand, C# is not just a beginners language it’s a language used for serious things. I’m looking to learn the features with a general purpose scope
Then you want to learn "patterns"; not languages. The architect learns about windows and doors before flying butresses.
"Before entering on an understanding, I have meditated for a long time, and have foreseen what might happen. It is not genius which reveals to me suddenly, secretly, what I have to say or to do in a circumstance unexpected by other people; it is reflection, it is meditation." - Napoleon I
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If you want to improve your C# skills then randomly asking "what should I learn next" isn't the best way: there is just too much stuff in there. At it's heart, C# is a pretty simple language, but it's tightly integrated with the .NET framework which is frankly enormous. While variables and classes are part of C#, Lists and such like aren't - they are part of the framework. And while C# and C++ look pretty similar they really aren't, they are very different languages, which can use the same framework but don't have to - C++ doesn't need to use .NET at all! So "learning C# to get better at C++" isn't really a brilliant idea because you are learning stuff that isn't relevant and may not be transferable. It may be easier to learn how to think like a developer in C# because it's a lot more forgiving and the .NET framework adds a hugely rich set of support classes but learning specific features isn't the way to do it as they are probably not transferable to "vanilla" C++ What I'd suggest is this: if you want to learn a language then go on a course, or get a book and learn that language. Don't try to learn "X" in the hope it'll make "Y" work as well because it won't - like learning to fly a drone won't teach you to fly a helicopter! That applies to C# and C++.
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
OriginalGriff wrote:
easier to learn how to think like a developer in C#
Which is the main issue as I see it. C# is easier than C/C++, which is a major strength. But learning it leaves a developer unprepared for C/C++ being hard. By which I mean that garbage collecting and such -- memory allocation and cleanup , references , etc. -- may be best learned in C/C++ before C#, as we oldsters did. I don't recommend C/C++ to any new developer unless they really need to learn it for some particular task. Basically I skipped C++ anyway and went from C to C# with barely a look back.
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OriginalGriff wrote:
easier to learn how to think like a developer in C#
Which is the main issue as I see it. C# is easier than C/C++, which is a major strength. But learning it leaves a developer unprepared for C/C++ being hard. By which I mean that garbage collecting and such -- memory allocation and cleanup , references , etc. -- may be best learned in C/C++ before C#, as we oldsters did. I don't recommend C/C++ to any new developer unless they really need to learn it for some particular task. Basically I skipped C++ anyway and went from C to C# with barely a look back.
I went from Assembler to C to C++ to C# - and haven't looked back! The productivity improvement is absolutely priceless. Now, if I was still doing embedded work it would be different, but ... :-D
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
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I went from Assembler to C to C++ to C# - and haven't looked back! The productivity improvement is absolutely priceless. Now, if I was still doing embedded work it would be different, but ... :-D
"I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
Yeah, barely had an introduction to Assembly (VAX Macro 11), quite a bit of C, just a dabbling of C++, and now C# for the past twenty years.
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I’m writing my main project in c++ but in order to get better at c++ I need to improve my c# skills. My question is what should a person learn after getting comfortable with variables, lists and classes in C#. I remember seeing helper constructs that make certain operations when dealing with lists easier but at that time I could not understand them. What would be your recommendation for let’s say top four things to know after learning the basics in C#?
Calin Negru wrote:
to get better at c++ I need to improve my c# skills
Why do you think this ?blockquote class="quote">
Calin Negru wrote:
I remember seeing helper constructs that make certain operations when dealing with lists easier but at that time I could not understand themCan you understand them now ? Study LINQ !
«The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled» Plutarch
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I can strongly recommend C# in Depth[^]. You can buy copies from Amazon.
Thanks for the suggestion
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Then you want to learn "patterns"; not languages. The architect learns about windows and doors before flying butresses.
"Before entering on an understanding, I have meditated for a long time, and have foreseen what might happen. It is not genius which reveals to me suddenly, secretly, what I have to say or to do in a circumstance unexpected by other people; it is reflection, it is meditation." - Napoleon I
A lot of C# features are probably there for dealing with specific tasks ( “link” is for working with databases, etc. ) But I’m sure there are also features useful for any type of project too >Then you want to learn patterns. I can’t imagine a learning resource that teaches abstract programming rules.
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A lot of C# features are probably there for dealing with specific tasks ( “link” is for working with databases, etc. ) But I’m sure there are also features useful for any type of project too >Then you want to learn patterns. I can’t imagine a learning resource that teaches abstract programming rules.
You don't need wood and bricks to learn about windows.
"Before entering on an understanding, I have meditated for a long time, and have foreseen what might happen. It is not genius which reveals to me suddenly, secretly, what I have to say or to do in a circumstance unexpected by other people; it is reflection, it is meditation." - Napoleon I
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A lot of C# features are probably there for dealing with specific tasks ( “link” is for working with databases, etc. ) But I’m sure there are also features useful for any type of project too >Then you want to learn patterns. I can’t imagine a learning resource that teaches abstract programming rules.
Calin Negru wrote:
“link” is for working with databases, etc.
linq (spelling) was not added to deal with databases. It was added as a result of a surge of interest, or at least perceived interest, in functional programming. Then someone decided it would be a 'good' idea to use linq to access databases. They were wrong. They were not also the first ones to think that a generic in language source would somehow be better for database access. Long before that C++ (or maybe java) had an alternative in the language (sort of) for SQL. But it never took off. Probably for the similar reasons as it made simple problems simpler (which was never a complaint) but complex problems either difficult or even impossible to deal with.
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Calin Negru wrote:
“link” is for working with databases, etc.
linq (spelling) was not added to deal with databases. It was added as a result of a surge of interest, or at least perceived interest, in functional programming. Then someone decided it would be a 'good' idea to use linq to access databases. They were wrong. They were not also the first ones to think that a generic in language source would somehow be better for database access. Long before that C++ (or maybe java) had an alternative in the language (sort of) for SQL. But it never took off. Probably for the similar reasons as it made simple problems simpler (which was never a complaint) but complex problems either difficult or even impossible to deal with.
LINQ doesn't "do databases"; it does "data models". The "source" of the model varies: database; objects; XML. An architecture that allows for "new" types of sources. Most issues are due to not understanding the client / server relationship and the purpose of stored procedures.
"Before entering on an understanding, I have meditated for a long time, and have foreseen what might happen. It is not genius which reveals to me suddenly, secretly, what I have to say or to do in a circumstance unexpected by other people; it is reflection, it is meditation." - Napoleon I
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Calin Negru wrote:
“link” is for working with databases, etc.
linq (spelling) was not added to deal with databases. It was added as a result of a surge of interest, or at least perceived interest, in functional programming. Then someone decided it would be a 'good' idea to use linq to access databases. They were wrong. They were not also the first ones to think that a generic in language source would somehow be better for database access. Long before that C++ (or maybe java) had an alternative in the language (sort of) for SQL. But it never took off. Probably for the similar reasons as it made simple problems simpler (which was never a complaint) but complex problems either difficult or even impossible to deal with.
Gerry, jschell The problem is I’m not programming a server or a client or anything that has to do with databases. Besides there is nothing in c++ like it AFAICT I’ve had a brief contact with C# list accessories ( the stuff used to interact with a list in different ways) it seems like that’s what I’m looking for. C++ vector has some of those things too.
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Gerry, jschell The problem is I’m not programming a server or a client or anything that has to do with databases. Besides there is nothing in c++ like it AFAICT I’ve had a brief contact with C# list accessories ( the stuff used to interact with a list in different ways) it seems like that’s what I’m looking for. C++ vector has some of those things too.
I have an in-memory collection; it contains "blocks"; these blocks represent different types of troops; these troops belong to different "teams". Some blocks (brigades) have other blocks as children. Some blocks don't belong to any team. If I wanted to retrieve all "blue" infantry that were not currently in action, etc .... that's LINQ "to objects". LINQ, when used properly, gets rid of a pile of if's and for loops while doing "object oriented programming". If you're strictly "procedural", then none of this works for you.
"Before entering on an understanding, I have meditated for a long time, and have foreseen what might happen. It is not genius which reveals to me suddenly, secretly, what I have to say or to do in a circumstance unexpected by other people; it is reflection, it is meditation." - Napoleon I
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I have an in-memory collection; it contains "blocks"; these blocks represent different types of troops; these troops belong to different "teams". Some blocks (brigades) have other blocks as children. Some blocks don't belong to any team. If I wanted to retrieve all "blue" infantry that were not currently in action, etc .... that's LINQ "to objects". LINQ, when used properly, gets rid of a pile of if's and for loops while doing "object oriented programming". If you're strictly "procedural", then none of this works for you.
"Before entering on an understanding, I have meditated for a long time, and have foreseen what might happen. It is not genius which reveals to me suddenly, secretly, what I have to say or to do in a circumstance unexpected by other people; it is reflection, it is meditation." - Napoleon I
Thanks for sharing Gerry
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LINQ doesn't "do databases"; it does "data models". The "source" of the model varies: database; objects; XML. An architecture that allows for "new" types of sources. Most issues are due to not understanding the client / server relationship and the purpose of stored procedures.
"Before entering on an understanding, I have meditated for a long time, and have foreseen what might happen. It is not genius which reveals to me suddenly, secretly, what I have to say or to do in a circumstance unexpected by other people; it is reflection, it is meditation." - Napoleon I
Gerry Schmitz wrote:
LINQ doesn't "do databases"; it does "data models". The "source" of the model varies: database; objects; XML
No idea how that changes what I said.
Gerry Schmitz wrote:
Most issues are due to not understanding the client / server relationship and the purpose of stored procedures.
I can't speak as to the source of of your "most" comment. But I can speak as to the problems I found of which I do not believe any had to do with stored procedures.
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Calin Negru wrote:
to get better at c++ I need to improve my c# skills
Why do you think this ?blockquote class="quote">
Calin Negru wrote:
I remember seeing helper constructs that make certain operations when dealing with lists easier but at that time I could not understand themCan you understand them now ? Study LINQ !
«The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled» Plutarch
Bill your post seems to have some formatting problems
