Can I learn .net using Perl or Java?

Question

I am an experienced programmer and have used various flavors of Visual Studio in the past for Basic and C. But my recent 8 years of work has been Linux and I have missed out on the move to .NET.

I would like to learn .NET, the new models, security, etc, without worrying about language issues. Is this possible using Perl or Java? What do I need to D/L or buy to start?

Answer 1

While .net does support these languages (sort of) it would be a mistake to think that you'll be able to use most of the details of Java or Perl.

The foundation of all .net languages is the .net framework (very similar to the java framework)  It's a massive compilation of classes that are tightly integrated with Windows.

Since you already know Java, you probably understand that most of Java isn't really the language, but the underlying object library.  You can write Java.net, but you won't use any of the Java library you've spent so long learning, but you'll have to switch to the .net alternatives.

Honestly, an experienced Java programmer should have very little trouble switching to C#, which is clearly based on Java, with a few improvements (I'm a Linux guy, too, so it's hard for me to admit C# is a pretty decent language)

Don't bother with Java.net or Perl.net.  Go straight to C#, and immerse yourself in the new library.  You'll find that the general object-oriented theory, and your experience with Java (and to a lesser extent perl) will help you tremendously.  You'll still have to learn an essentially new language, but it won't be terribly difficult.

(I wrote one of the first books in print on C#. When I was contracted to write the book, I hadn't even seen the language yet, and the IDE wasn't yet finished. Yet with my background in other languages, I found C# a reasonably easy transition.)

Answer 2

Well There's no need to learn Java/Perl for .Net

in Fact its very good idea that you are now thinking of updating your skills now.

I assume you have knowledge of OOP and languages like C++ because that will help you get hands on C# .

One thing i would like to tell you is .Net and Linux are foe.

If you willing to learn .Net then learn it over windows platform.

Hope tis will solve yours issues

Cheers:)

Answer 3

.NET is different then pearl or Java,  That isn't say you couldn't get a program to do both.  But to learn .NET you need Visual Studo.  They have free versions for all the .NET (C#  VB.NET) and so forth.  

Thats where you start.  

Answer 4

You could learn .NET using J#, which is very similar to JAVA. But so is C#, and it's much more prevalent than J#. If you're comfortable with JAVA, you should have no problem learning C#.

Like the other poster suggested, get yourself a copy of the free Visual Studio Express versions and try it out for yourself. I'd recommend Wrox Press' Beginning Visual C# and Beginning ASP.NET with C# as well.