Java/C# Programming book with example projects?

Question

I'm looking for a C# or Java textbook that's unlike most books in that it has exercises and suggested projects, instead of just detailing the language's syntax and whatnot. If it has the solutions, that would be fantastic too. Similarly, I'm also looking for a book that will guide me towards creating a usable, complex application.

I've had no luck in my search. Thank you for reading.

Answer 1

I like Professional C# from Wrox:

http://www.amazon.com/Professional-C-Programmer-Simon-Robinson/dp/0764557599/sr=8-2/qid=1169163570/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/104-6117150-7818300?ie=UTF8&s=books

It focuses on learning the language by building progressively more complex programs, and includes all of the code for each example and breakdown of what it does. Subsequent chapters also build on previous ones by adding new or more complex functionality to previous examples you've already done. Towards the end of the book, the examples begin to approach real-world practical functionality.

I have about 15 Wrox books in my library - they're great.

Answer 2

It sounds like you just need to learn the basics of Java first. Once you know how classes, methods, variables, etc. work, the Javadocs should seem very useful. No Java programmer has memorized all the classes and methods in Java. This is what the docs are for. Making an application is actually more akin to building some electronic device than to math. You get all the parts, you connect them together, and then you make it work. It's very simple once you understand how to do everything.

Answer 3

All the books mentioned before are great, but I recommend going to a local university bookstore where they sell textbooks. There you are going to find books that show you how to program and written with chapter reviews, exercises and test questions because they were designed for classes.

I always recommend Apress books, I find visual blueprint series great (doesn't have questions but the way they wrote the book is exampled everywhere on every page) and some wrox books are good and some are dry. My favorite series of all time though has to be the Sams teach yourself series. Great beginner books and I use them to break into a new language every time.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I always suggest the APRESS range of C# books. They have a great beginner to professional and then expert range of books. Not only do they cover C# core but also have great books on specific technologies like ASP.NET, Web Services, REST, Architecture design(CSLA), Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Workflow Foundation and Atlas/Ajax.

http://www.apress.com/category.html?nID=27

Answer 5

not a book, but here's a website with sample codes:

Planet Source Code

http://www.pscode.com