The C# Programming Language (Hardcover)

ISBN: 978-0-32-115491-0
By A. Hejlsberg, S.Wiltamuth, P. Golde
Addison-Wesley
CodeProject
Written by the Microsoft employees who literally created the C# language,  this is still by far and away the best book I’ve read about the C# programming language.

Even though it was published way back in 2003, it still trumps everything I’ve read that was published on the topic within the past few years. It is well written and well thought out. It’s my go-to C# 2.0 reference whenever I encounter a concept that’s difficult for me to understand or remember.

Of course, I use another book as a reference for the more recent additions to the C# language, such as generic lists, but you’ll be amazed at how much was included in C# in 2003. If it’s helpful to you to learn why something was called a particular name, was designed in a certain way or supports a certain feature, you owe it to yourself to check out this book. It’s never more than an arms length from my desk, even today.

Note: There’s a C# 4.0 version, first published in 2010, which I have not had the time to look at, but plan on reviewing soon.  My interest in these older references goes beyond the fact that they are excellent desk references.  I find it easier to remember the programming gotchas that exist throughout any language, if I understand why the gotchas existed to begin with.