What are .NET and the .NET Framework?

They are the same thing. The .NET Framework is a programming platform that allows you to build Windows and Web applications that run on Microsoft operating systems.

The .NET Framework 3.0 added the following technologies to .NET 2.0: Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Windows Workflow Foundation (WF) and Cardspace. The .NET Framework 3.5 added Language INtegrated Query (LINQ). Strictly speaking, .NET 3.0 is not covered in this course because we do not cover WCF, WPF, WF or Cardspace. Similarly, .NET 3.5 is not technically covered in this course because we do not cover LINQ. However, all of the course content is applicable to those using .NET 3.0 or 3.5 to develop applications.

For courses that focus on technologies that were new with .NET 3.0, you may be interested in Course 513, Windows^® Communication Foundation (WCF): Creating .NET 3.5 Web Services, or Course 975, Windows ^® Presentation Foundation (WPF) and Silverlight Introduction: Hands-On.

For a course that focuses on technologies that were new with .NET 3.5, you may be interested in Course 973, Programming C# Extended Features: Hands-On.

Course 976, .NET 3.0/3.5 Overview: Hands-On, is intended to be an overview of the major technologies of .NET 3.0/3.5 and does not go into depth on any one technology. It does provide a working knowledge of the technologies and an understanding of how they can be integrated to build a system. Each of the technologies is covered in depth by individual Learning Tree courses.

What is this course about?

In this course, you learn the fundamentals of programming in .NET, using Visual Basic and C#. You also learn to employ the tools provided by Visual Studio 2008 to program Windows and ASP.NET Web interfaces. You will also learn to create SQL Server databases and access them using ADO.NET.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course is designed for procedural or mainframe programmers moving to object-oriented programming, Web designers and developers moving to ASP.NET or other power users and administrators. Typical participants include:

• Web designers or Web developers who currently use PHP, ColdFusion or ASP and want to move to ASP.NET
• Network and database administrators who want to learn how to program and automate administrative tasks
• Power users or anyone who wants to become a .NET programmer
• Mainframe and COBOL programmers moving to .NET
• Programmers with little or no object-oriented programming experience

What background do I need?

This course provides a broad overview of programming with .NET. A familiarity with Windows and basic programming concepts is assumed. Prior programming experience is helpful, but not required.

Those with extensive experience in Java, C++ and advanced VB programmers should consider taking Course 419, C# Programming: Hands-On; Course 503, Visual Basic^® Programming for .NET: Hands-On; or Course 512, Developing ASP.NET Web Applications: Hands-On, instead of this course.

For a course that focuses on technologies that were new with .NET 3.5, you may be interested in Course 973, Programming C# Extended Features: Hands-On.

Which version of Visual Studio is used in this course?

This course uses Visual Studio 2008. However, all exercise solutions for Visual Studio 2008 and VIsual Studio 2005 are provided.

I use Visual Studio .NET 2003 or Visual Studio 2005. Will this course be valuable for me?

Yes. While this course uses Visual Studio 2008, all of the material covered is equally applicable to Visual Studio .NET 2003 and 2005 with very minor differences.

Does this course teach me to write both Windows and Web applications?

This course teaches the basics of writing any computer application whether it uses a Windows or Web user interface. The basics of ASP.NET are covered including creating Web applications and virtual directories, processing Web Forms, ASP.NET authentication and authorization and themes. Those who want more in-depth knowledge of Web-based development should consider taking Course 512, Developing ASP.NET Web Applications: Hands-On.

I am a Web designer with no programming experience, and I want to begin using ASP.NET. Is this course right for me?

Yes. This course provides the fundamental programming skills needed for developing an ASP.NET application. Participants in this class gain the skills to:

• Apply programming logic
• Write basic code
• Debug and handle errors in applications
• Leverage Visual Studio to simplify development
• Translate user requirements into application design
• Create classes
• Build databases
• Create virtual directories and Web application for IIS
• Program ASP.NET Web UIs
• ASP.NET Web security
• ASP.NET Themes

Does this course teach me how to develop applications using the .NET Framework?

Yes. The .NET Framework is not merely a set of tools for developing Windows applications on existing platforms. It incorporates a uniquely radical runtime environment and component model for developing and running software applications.

This course teaches you how to use Visual Studio to exploit this platform, by showing you how to create graphical user interfaces, write Visual Basic and C# code, compile, deploy, debug and run your applications.

How much time is spent on each topic?

Does this course teach me how to use Visual Studio?

Yes. You learn how solutions and projects are created and structured. You leverage the tools included in Visual Studio to make application development easier. These tools include: Solution Explorer, Server Explorer, the help system, the enhanced code editor and more.

How much time is devoted to hands-on exercises?

Forty-five percent of class time is spent doing hands-on exercises. You develop a complete application, from the ground up, which includes a database, a business class and Web and Windows user interfaces. Hands-on exercises include:

• Writing applications using C# and Visual Basic language constructs
• Leveraging Visual Studio tools for rapid application development
• Testing and debugging Visual Basic applications
• Programming Windows user interfaces
• Programming ASP.NET Web applications

Is database technology covered?

Yes, this course teaches basic relational database concepts. You learn how to use Visual Studio to create a SQL Server database and how to run queries using ADO.NET. Query syntax is also covered.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

Depending on what you would like to learn next:

• 419, C# Programming: Hands-On offers advanced coverage of the C# language and its object -oriented features
• 973, Programming C# Extended Features: Hands-On 
• 503, Visual Basic® Programming for .NET: Hands-On provides advanced coverage of the VB .NET language and its OO features
• 975, Windows ® Presentation Foundation (WPF) and Silverlight Introduction: Hands-On provides the skills to program applications that integrate the major components of WPF.
• 512, Developing ASP.NET Web Applications: Hands-On provides advanced coverage of ASP.NET Web applications
• 424, Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA): A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction provides a foundation in the concepts, modeling and design of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)
• 209, VBA Programming: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction offers the fundamentals of VBA programming, as well as how to use it to automate repetitive actions in Microsoft Office applications.

Other courses covering aspects of the .NET family of programming languages and technologies include:

• 506, Programming Scalable Web Applications with .NET and ASP.NET Ajax: Hands-On 
• 508, Building Web Services with .NET 2.0: Hands-On 
• 511, .NET Best Practices and Design Patterns: Hands-On 
• 513, Windows® Communication Foundation (WCF): Creating .NET 3.5 Web Services 
• 931, Agile Programming: Principles and Practices for Software Success 
• 2601, Programming .NET Web Services: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction