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Trevoir Williams, Learn IT University, and Andrii Piatakha

Overview

In this course, you will learn C# programming for desktop applications. These lessons assume no prior knowledge of programming or the C# language, and will have you up and running in no time. By the end of this course, you will have enough knowledge to build a functional Windows Forms Application, connected to a Microsoft SQL Server Database, with all your program code and changes being tracked on GitHub.

This course will equip you to be an employable .NET Developer job in any organization.

This journey will have you becoming proficient in

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Overview

In this course, you will learn C# programming for desktop applications. These lessons assume no prior knowledge of programming or the C# language, and will have you up and running in no time. By the end of this course, you will have enough knowledge to build a functional Windows Forms Application, connected to a Microsoft SQL Server Database, with all your program code and changes being tracked on GitHub.

This course will equip you to be an employable .NET Developer job in any organization.

This journey will have you becoming proficient in

  • Visual Studio Interface and Shortcuts

  • Console Application Development with C# (.NET 6/7/8)

    • Understand C# Syntax

    • Understand Datatypes and Variables

    • Understand Sequence, Decision and Repetition Control Structures

    • Understand String Manipulation

    • Understand Date and Time Manipulation

    • Understand Object Oriented Programming, Classes and Objects

    • Understand Visual Studio 2022

    • Understand Debugging Techniques

    • Develop Console Applications

  • Data Driven Graphical User Interface Applications using Windows Forms 

  • Managing Databases with SQL Server Management Studio

  • Developing User and Roles Management Interfaces and functions

  • Understand LINQ and Data Queries with C# Syntax

  • Setup Login and User Management Functionality

  • Using Static Utility Classes for cleaner code

  • Developing Multi-Document Interface (MDI) Applications

  • Applying Object Oriented Programming with C#

  • Adding a Visual Studio Project to Source Control

Why Learn C# Language

C# is the most versatile programming language in .NET Framework and .NET Core. Not only can you build Windows client applications, but you can also use C# to build Web and mobile apps.

C# can be used to build:

  1. Windows client applications using Windows Forms, WPF and UWP.

  2. Web applications with ASP.NET and ASP.NET Core.

  3. Native iOS and Android mobile apps using MAUI.

  4. Libraries, components, and console applications

  5. Cloud and Azure apps

  6. Block chain apps

  7. Not only is C# language supported and maintained by Microsoft, but it also has a strong community support. More than 5 million developers use C# language. .NET Core and C# compiler are open source and the adoption is growing in open source community.

Content and Overview

This course is very beginner friendly and chock full of development tips. This huge course offers premium content, smartly broken up to highlight a set of related activities based on each module. We will also look at troubleshooting and debugging errors as we go along; implementing best practices; writing efficient logic and understanding why developers do things the way they do. Your knowledge will grow, step by step, throughout the course and you will be challenged to be the best you can be.

By the time you have finished the course you will have moved around in Visual Studio and examined logic and syntax errors so much, that it will be second nature for you when working in the .NET environment. This will put your new learned skills into practical use and impress your boss and coworkers.

The course is complete with working files hosted on GitHub, with the inclusion of some files to make it easier for you to replicate the code being demonstrated. You will be able to work alongside the author as you work through each lecture and will receive a verifiable certificate of completion upon finishing the course.

Clicking the Take This Course button could be the best step you could take towards quickly increasing your income and marketability. Also, remember that if you don't think the course is worth what you spent, you have a full 30 days to get a no questions asked refund.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand how to create and run console applications
  • Understand how to create and run windows forms applications
  • Understand basic c# syntax - blocks of code, curly braces, comments
  • Understand how to use string interpolation, concatenation and general manipulation
  • Understand variables and objects
  • Understand how to use c# operators for math and logic tasks
  • Understand windows forms visual elements and controls
  • Understand different data types, when they are used and how they behave.
  • Understand methods and their return types
  • Understand how to build classes
  • Understand how to create windows forms and how to manipulate them (open, close, hide, etc)
  • Understand how to pass data between forms
  • Understand how to connect windows forms applications to a database
  • Understand how to write linq queries.
  • Understand how to connect to and upload a project to github
  • Understand how to use entity framework
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Introduction
What is Programming?
What are C# and .NET?
Best practices
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses C# with .NET 6/7/8, which are modern frameworks for building a variety of applications, including desktop, web, and mobile apps
Assumes no prior programming knowledge and guides learners through C# syntax, data types, and object-oriented programming principles
Focuses on Windows Forms development, which is a classic framework for building desktop applications with graphical user interfaces
Covers database management with SQL Server Management Studio, including developing user and roles management interfaces
Includes instruction on using Git and GitHub for source control, which is essential for collaborative software development
Teaches Entity Framework, which is a popular object-relational mapper (ORM) for .NET applications, simplifying database interactions

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Reviews summary

Beginner to .net desktop development

According to learners, this course is a solid starting point for those new to C# and .NET development, particularly targeting desktop applications using Windows Forms. Students find it very beginner friendly, assuming no prior programming knowledge. The curriculum offers comprehensive coverage, moving from basic C# syntax and console applications to building data-driven Windows Forms applications integrated with SQL Server using Entity Framework. Key practical skills like debugging and version control with GitHub are also included. While covering a wide range of topics relevant for an employable .NET developer job, some students note that certain advanced areas might require additional study for deeper understanding.
Focus on Windows Forms, Entity Framework.
"The course is specifically focused on Windows Forms for the UI."
"You learn database interaction using Entity Framework."
"It covers a particular set of technologies within the .NET ecosystem."
Skills are relevant for jobs.
"The material taught feels relevant for entry-level .NET developer positions."
"Focuses on building the kind of applications you'd work on in a job."
"Helped me understand the practical skills needed in a professional setting."
Covers C#, Forms, DB, and Git.
"The course covers a wide ground, from console apps to database-connected WinForms."
"Appreciated learning C#, Windows Forms, Entity Framework, and GitHub in one course."
"It gives a good overview of the .NET stack for building desktop applications."
Strong emphasis on hands-on coding.
"The exercises and projects are practical and reinforce the concepts taught."
"I really benefited from working through the coding examples presented."
"Having the source code on GitHub made it easy to practice alongside the lessons."
Excellent course for programming novices.
"Assumes no prior knowledge, making it easy to follow along from the start."
"I had zero experience with C# and the course structure helped me grasp the basics quickly."
"Perfect if you're completely new to programming concepts and C# syntax."
Environment setup can be tricky.
"Getting Visual Studio and SQL Server configured was a bit challenging initially."
"Ran into some issues setting up the environment to follow along."
"Pay close attention to the setup sections to avoid problems."
May need more advanced study.
"Some topics, like Entity Framework nuances, felt slightly rushed."
"Could use more in-depth explanations on certain complex C# features."
"I might need to supplement this course for deeper knowledge in some areas."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in C# Console and Windows Forms Development w/ Entity Framework with these activities:
Review Basic C# Syntax
Reinforce your understanding of C# syntax, including data types, operators, and control flow statements, to prepare for more advanced concepts.
Show steps
  • Review online tutorials and documentation on C# syntax.
  • Complete practice exercises on basic C# syntax.
  • Write simple C# programs to test your understanding.
Read 'C# 8.0 and .NET Core 3.0 – Modern Cross-Platform Development'
Gain a deeper understanding of C# and .NET Core by reading a comprehensive guide that covers language features, cross-platform development, and application deployment.
Show steps
  • Read the book cover to cover.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Try out the code examples in the book.
Build a Simple To-Do List Application
Apply your knowledge of C# and Windows Forms to create a practical application that allows users to manage their tasks.
Show steps
  • Design the user interface with Windows Forms controls.
  • Implement the logic for adding, editing, and deleting tasks.
  • Store the tasks in a data structure, such as a list or array.
  • Add functionality to save and load tasks from a file.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review 'CLR via C#' by Jeffrey Richter'
Deepen your understanding of the .NET runtime environment by studying a classic text on the CLR.
Show steps
  • Read selected chapters focusing on memory management and garbage collection.
  • Experiment with code examples to observe CLR behavior.
  • Relate the concepts to debugging and performance optimization.
Practice LINQ Queries
Sharpen your LINQ skills by completing practice exercises that involve querying and manipulating data from various sources.
Show steps
  • Find online resources with LINQ practice problems.
  • Work through the problems, focusing on different LINQ operators.
  • Test your queries with sample data.
Write a Blog Post on Entity Framework
Solidify your understanding of Entity Framework by writing a blog post that explains its concepts, benefits, and usage.
Show steps
  • Research Entity Framework and its features.
  • Outline the structure of your blog post.
  • Write the content, including code examples and explanations.
  • Edit and proofread your blog post.
  • Publish your blog post on a platform like Medium or your own website.
Contribute to a C# Open Source Project
Gain real-world experience by contributing to a C# open source project, which will expose you to best practices, collaboration, and code review.
Show steps
  • Find a C# open source project on GitHub that interests you.
  • Read the project's documentation and contribution guidelines.
  • Identify a bug or feature that you can work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.
  • Respond to feedback from the project maintainers.

Career center

Learners who complete C# Console and Windows Forms Development w/ Entity Framework will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
.NET Developer
A .NET developer specializes in building applications using the .NET framework. This course states explicitly that it equips learners "to be an employable .NET Developer job in any organization." The course provides comprehensive coverage of C# syntax, object oriented programming, and Windows Forms application development, all fundamental skills for a .NET developer. The course also covers connecting applications to databases using Microsoft SQL Server and Entity Framework. The hands-on exercises, including debugging and troubleshooting, prepares you for the challenges of real-world .NET development. Taking this course gives you the practical skills and knowledge to excel in a .NET developer role.
Desktop Application Developer
A desktop application developer focuses on creating applications that run on desktop operating systems. This course is centered around C# programming for desktop applications, providing comprehensive training in building functional Windows Forms Applications. You will gain hands-on experience in designing user interfaces, handling user input, and connecting applications to databases. The course emphasizes debugging techniques and best practices, ensuring that you write efficient and maintainable code. This is especially useful for desktop applications. This course provides you with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a desktop application developer.
Software Developer
A software developer designs, develops, and tests software applications. This course helps build a strong foundation in C#, a versatile language used extensively in software development. The course teaches how to build desktop applications, understand C# syntax, and apply object oriented programming, all essential skills for a software developer. Furthermore, learning to connect an application to a Microsoft SQL Server database, as covered in this course, provides practical skills applicable to real-world software development scenarios. The course's emphasis on debugging techniques and best practices contributes to writing efficient and maintainable code. A prospective software developer should take this course because it focuses on practical application development using industry-standard tools and technologies.
Windows Developer
A Windows developer creates applications specifically for the Windows operating system. This course provides a solid foundation in building Windows client applications using Windows Forms, as highlighted in the course description. You will learn to design and develop graphical user interfaces, handle user input, and connect applications to databases, which are essential skills for a Windows developer. The course's emphasis on Visual Studio, debugging techniques, and best practices directly translates to increased efficiency and productivity in a Windows development environment. This course prepares you with the tools and techniques to become a proficient Windows developer.
Database Application Developer
A database application developer specializes in creating applications that interact with databases. This course teaches you how to connect Windows Forms applications to a Microsoft SQL Server database, an indispensable skill for a database application developer. Understanding LINQ and data queries with C# syntax, as covered in the course, enables you to efficiently retrieve and manipulate data within applications. The course's focus on managing databases with SQL Server Management Studio and developing user and roles management interfaces provides practical experience in building secure and user-friendly database applications. This course is particularly valuable for aspiring database application developers, building a bridge to managing critical databases essential for organizations.
Application Developer
An application developer focuses on creating software applications for various platforms. This course is directly relevant as it focuses on C# programming for desktop applications, providing hands-on experience in building functional Windows Forms Applications. You will learn to manage databases with SQL Server Management Studio and develop user and roles management interfaces, essential for enterprise applications. Understanding LINQ and data queries with C# syntax, as taught in this course, enables efficient data manipulation within applications. This course's detailed guidance on using Visual Studio and .NET will be immediately useful, solidifying your ability to develop robust applications for various platforms. This expertise is crucial for success as an application developer.
GUI Developer
A graphical user interface developer designs and implements user interfaces for software applications. This course provides extensive training in developing data driven graphical user interface applications using Windows Forms. The course’s coverage of Visual Studio and the manipulation of Windows Forms visual elements and controls will be immediately valuable. You will learn how to pass data between forms and create multi-document interface applications. Since this course focuses on teaching all of the above, you who wish to enter the GUI developmental world will be well-served here.
Software Engineer
A software engineer applies engineering principles to the design, development, and testing of software systems. This course helps build a solid foundation in C# programming, object oriented programming, and software development best practices. Learning to develop console applications and Windows Forms applications, as taught in this course, provides practical experience in building different types of software. Furthermore, understanding debugging techniques, version control with Git, and database connectivity, prepares you for the collaborative and complex nature of software engineering projects. The course’s emphasis on writing efficient logic and understanding why developers do things the way they do develops the critical thinking skills essential for a software engineer.
Instructional Designer
Instructional designers create learning materials. By taking this course, you will have learned C#, Visual Studio Interface and Shortcuts, Console Application Development with C# (.NET 6/7/8), Data Driven Graphical User Interface Applications using Windows Forms, Managing Databases with SQL Server Management Studio, Developing User and Roles Management Interfaces and functions, and Understanding LINQ and Data Queries with C# Syntax. Now you can design instruction for any of those topics. In so doing, you are now an instructional designer.
Full-Stack Developer
A full stack developer works on both the front-end and back-end of web applications. While this course focuses on C# and Windows Forms, the skills learned here directly apply to the back-end development aspect of full stack development. Understanding C# syntax, object oriented programming, and database connectivity, are essential skills for building robust web application back-ends. The course also covers LINQ and data queries, which are useful for interacting with databases in web applications. This course is highly valuable for those full stack developers who also want to bolster their expertise in C#. This course helps supplement the C# knowledge needed.
Quality Assurance Engineer
A quality assurance engineer tests software to ensure it meets quality standards. The debugging techniques and understanding of C# syntax taught in this course may be useful for identifying and reporting software defects. Furthermore, the ability to understand and manipulate Windows Forms applications enables you to effectively test the user interface and functionality of Windows applications. The course’s emphasis on best practices may be useful for identifying potential areas of improvement in the software development process. This is helpful because sometimes people in quality assurance must conduct code reviews, so it may be useful. With this course, you could begin the journey of that.
IT Support Specialist
An IT support specialist provides technical assistance to computer users. The debugging and troubleshooting techniques taught in this course may be useful for diagnosing and resolving software issues. Furthermore, understanding C# syntax and basic programming concepts enables you to better understand software behavior and identify potential problems. The course’s focus on Visual Studio and the .NET framework may be useful for supporting applications built on these technologies. This is a role that focuses on hands-on software. For those who want to enter the field of software, this exposure may be useful.
Technical Trainer
A technical trainer delivers training programs on software and technology. The comprehensive coverage of C# programming, Windows Forms application development, and database connectivity makes this course an ideal foundation for someone who wants to teach these topics. The course provides a structured approach to learning C#, starting from basic syntax and progressing to more advanced concepts. This allows you to effectively explain complex topics to others. This course may be useful for someone who wants to expand their areas of technical expertise.
Data Analyst
A data analyst examines data sets and draws conclusions about the information they contain. This course may be useful for learning how to connect to and query databases using C# and LINQ. Understanding data manipulation techniques, as covered in the course, provides a foundation for analyzing data using programming languages. This course has the potential to increase your toolkit in a high-demand and lucrative field. The course's coverage allows for more potential areas of exploration in the future.
Business Analyst
A business analyst identifies business needs and recommends solutions. This course may be useful for understanding the technical aspects of software development and database management. Understanding the capabilities of C# and Windows Forms applications allows a business analyst to better communicate with software developers and make informed decisions about software projects. The course’s coverage of user interface design and database connectivity may be useful for understanding the user experience and data flow of business applications. With this course, you can expand your understanding of the technical world.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in C# Console and Windows Forms Development w/ Entity Framework.
Delves into the inner workings of the Common Language Runtime (CLR), providing a deep understanding of how C# code is executed. It is highly recommended for developers who want to optimize their code and understand the underlying platform. This book is more valuable as additional reading to deepen understanding. It is commonly used by industry professionals.
Provides a comprehensive guide to C# 8.0 and .NET Core 3.0, covering topics such as language features, cross-platform development, and application deployment. It useful reference for understanding the underlying concepts and best practices for building modern C# applications. While the course uses .NET 6/7/8, this book provides valuable background and context. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic settings.

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