As you all folks know, there is no practice without theory. You can’t hammer a nail if you have no idea what is and how to use a hammer. Of course you can take a chance and experiment a little and I’m sure you’ll be lucky enough to figure out the process on nailing something. But it’s not that simple when it comes to programming. So I guess it will be rather useful for you to fluently read some books about Silverlight and its possibilities. I know that it’s much easier to surf the web for free Silverlight tutorials, but have you ever dreamt to be that guy who creates and writes tutorials; to be the leader but not a common follower? Remember that even programming geeks and gurus sometimes leaf through the pages to keep up with the fast growing software and hardware development. You should know that all the secrets are there in the books! The secrets to succeed… to become a guru!
Here is a small selection of truly useful and interesting books that will help you develop your skills in learning Silverlight:
- Silverlight essentials:
1.Introducing Microsoft Silverlight 3 (by Laurence Moroney) – the book provides practical, grounded advice, rich examples, and ready code to help inspire your next solutions.
2.Microsoft Silverlight 3: A Beginner’s Guide (byShannon Horn) – the book covers Microsoft Silverlight 2.0, the .NET Framework 3.5, and prerequisite technologies.
3.Silverlight 3 Jumpstart (byDavid Yack) – the book is the introduction to building business applications with Silverlight.
4.Essential Silverlight 3 (byAshraf Michail) – is truly an essential book in the library of any Silverlight developer.
5. Silverlight 3 Programmer’s Reference (by J. Ambrose Little , Jason Beres , Grant Hinkson , Devin Rader , Joe Croney) – the book guides you through the languages, tools, and techniques that are used to build applications on the Silverlight 3 platform
- Books for experienced users:
1.Accelerated Silverlight 3 (by Jeff Scanlon, Ashisha Ghoda) – The book provides you with fast-track coverage of all the most important elements of the Silverlight 3 technology ranging from XAML to standard controls.
2.Pro Silverlight 3 in C# (by Matthew MacDonald) – Pro Silverlight 3 in C# an invaluable reference for professional developers wanting to discover the new features of Silverlight 3.
3.Pro Silverlight 3 in VB (by Matthew MacDonald) – Written from professional developer to professional developer. You’ll learn to create rich media applications using Silverlight in the environment you’re most productive in.
4.Silverlight 3 Lab: Intensive Skills Training (by Andrew Troelsen) – The book is targeted at experienced .NET developers who already possess a good knowledge of C# and an outline understanding of what Silverlight is. Starting at this level allows you to dive deeply into the subject from the very beginning.
- Books for designers
1. Introducing Microsoft Expression Studio (by Greg Holden) – the book serves as an introduction to using Expression Studio to create Web sites, graphics, and presentations, and to organize and edit media files.
2. Foundation Expression Blend 3 with Silverlight (by Victor Gaudioso) – this book is for those who have a background in the development of RIAs and want to learn this new technology.
3. Foundation Silverlight 3 Animation (by Jeff Paries ) – this book illustrates the power of Silverlight as a graphics, animation, and game-creation tool.
4. Microsoft Expression Design Step by Step (by Sara Froehlich, Marc Campbell) – the smart way to learn Microsoft Expression Design one step at a time.Work at your own pace to master the fundamentals of creating professional-looking designs Expression Design.
5. Microsoft Expression Web 3 In Depth (by Jim Cheshire) – the book provides specific, tested, and proven solutions to the problems you run into every day—things other books ignore or oversimplify.
- Game Programming
1. Silverlight 3 Game Programming Book(by Michael Snow) – Based on Silverlight 3, this book walks you through how to create a multi-player online RPG in Silverlight.
2. 3D Game Development with Microsoft Silverlight 3: Beginner’s Guide (by Gastón C. Hillar ) – A practical guide to creating real-time responsive online 3D games in Silverlight 3 using C#, XBAP WPF, XAML, Balder, and Farseer Physics Engine.
Ok, now you know where to find the right books! Right from this moment it’s all up to you! We hope you will succeed in Silverlight 3!