how far is .net ???

[cocacola]

Hi,

I am a VB6 Programmer and I want to learn .net. What system configuration and programs do I need ? Is anything downloadable for free ? Can I learn by installing .net framework?? What is the price for the installable .net ? I'm planning to go for MCAD, is it worth ?? Should I go for windows programming or web programming in that ??

Thanks a lot

[PeteD]

You can download th framework SDK for free which would allow you to write windows/web apps for free, but its soo sooo much easier with Visual Studio. Not sure on the cost, I get mine through work. If all you wann write is web apps, you can download the free webmatrix IDE. Dunno about MCAD. I'm not, but it certainly wouldn't do you any harm.

[cocacola]

Thanks for the reply. Is WebMatrix is free ???

[PeteD]

yep!

http://www.asp.net/webmatrix/default...dex=4&tabId=46

Its no Visual studio though, as its a free offering by Microsoft.

[Edneeis]

Here is a free iDE:
http://www.icsharpcode.net/OpenSource/SD/

[PeteD]

Originally posted by Edneeis
Here is a free iDE:
http://www.icsharpcode.net/OpenSource/SD/

I'm impressed!

[crpietschmann]

The .NET Framework is free to use. Just download the .NET Framework SDK, it comes with the compilers.

There are 3 exams for the MCAD, and each of them cost $125 dollars. The exams don't really cover Visual Studio that much, so you don't even really need it to pass the exams.

Just get some good books, and some practice exam questions.

Just search Kazaa. I would recomend buying the books, since you will always have them on hard copy for a reference.

[PeteD]

Originally posted by crpietschmann
The .NET Framework is free to use. Just download the .NET Framework SDK, it comes with the compilers.

There are 3 exams for the MCAD, and each of them cost $125 dollars. The exams don't really cover Visual Studio that much, so you don't even really need it to pass the exams.

Just get some good books, and some practice exam questions.

Just search Kazaa. I would recomend buying the books, since you will always have them on hard copy for a reference.

crpietschmann, you seem to be MCAD mad!

Becoming Micrsoft certified doen't mean you're any good. Only commercial experience ensures that.

[powdir]

Becoming Micrsoft certified doen't mean you're any good.

too true. It's one thing to know the syntax, get the certs etc. but quite another to be using them effectively in an environment that includes other team members, project managers, tight budgets, restrictive designs etc. etc. etc. I say thats where the real skill is at - VB.NET is just a means to an end.

OH...

I know it's not VB but borland do a nice (free!) download of their C# builder IDE - for non-commercial use

Cheers...

[Cander]

Yeah unfortunatly certifications dont mean what they used to during the dot com boom. But it still can help, just you cant rely solely on it.

[crpietschmann]

Originally posted by PeteD
crpietschmann, you seem to be MCAD mad!

Becoming Micrsoft certified doen't mean you're any good. Only commercial experience ensures that.

I'm actually .NET mad. I've fallen in love with ever since I learned it.

And, just because someone have a degree doesn't mean they are any good either. You still need experience, and it doesn't matter if it's commercial experience or not. Experience is experience. You just need to get it, and be able to prove it.

Check out my website and tell me that I don't know how to actually do anything with my certs. Make sure you check out the different sections of my site.

[PeteD]

Originally posted by crpietschmann
I'm actually .NET mad. I've fallen in love with ever since I learned it.

And, just because someone have a degree doesn't mean they are any good either. You still need experience, and it doesn't matter if it's commercial experience or not. Experience is experience. You just need to get it, and be able to prove it.

Check out my website and tell me that I don't know how to actually do anything with my certs. Make sure you check out the different sections of my site.

When I said 'doen't mean you're any good' I wasn't talking about 'you' in particular. It certainly wouldn't do you any harm being certified. I just don't think you can make a judgement on how good someone is by whether or not they are cerified/qualified.

I personally feel though, that those who enjoy coding enough to learn in their own time are usually the best coders.