Best .NET Framework 2.0 library for C # libraries?
I am a senior C # /. NET developer currently using the 3.5 Framework with WPF / WCF and Silverlight (WPF / E). I came straight through 1.0 and 2.0 and therefore am well versed in the evolution of .NET. My next project might be "back" to the 2.0 Framework, but with enough complexity (and time pressure) to bring up "expert" skills, not just "advanced" ones.
So I'm looking for a book with full coverage of the 2.0 Framework, primarily with the organization and use of libraries (yes, I just mean the "Framework" ...) available in this rev. I want to have a complete, organized reference of what tools are available in the field, so to speak, to select the right ones at each step, not to re-create any wheels.
I own and love "CLR over C #", but this is not a question about CLR, about libraries (Framwork) in the first place, and methods of interacting with related .NET products.
If I "deduct" my existing knowledge of 3.0 / 3.5, I can say that I have just thoroughly studied and used about 50-75% of the 2.0 Framework version, so what I would like to see is an authoritative 100% guide. Rigorous details or exhaustive examples are not needed, but rather a full estimate of scale and scope to be able to design and implement effective .net 2.0 solutions the "right way".
It sounds like you are good with C #, so you probably want to know what was in 2.0, not 3.0 or 3.5. For this reason, you may be interested in some of the following resources, namely the C # 2.0 standard:
- ECMA C # 2.0 standard
- C # 2.0 - The Complete Reference
- Any of the C # Apress books
I especially like the C # 2.0 Complete Reference, and keep a copy on my desk at home, but the C # 2.0 standard is incomparably good too; it's just a matter of whether you can stay awake long enough to get through it all. :)
a source to share
C # 3.0 describes the parts of the framework in a nutshell . I find this a very useful book.
Microsoft Visual C # 2005 Programming: The Base Class Library specifically covers structure, but the Nutshell book is better in my opinion and you can always find more information on MSDN.
Windows Forms Programming in C # covers WinForms in detail, or you might want to take a look at Chris Sales's book on WPF. I am not familiar with the latter, but the former is fine.
a source to share
For WinForms programming, the most useful book for me is Programming Windows Forms 2.0 . If there isn't one book that has everything you're looking for, I think this book will be part of the collection containing the next best thing.
a source to share