11.2. .Net Library (API)

These notes can only introduce so many classes and methods from the C# library. You should browse the MSDN .Net Framework Class Library’s online documentation.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg145045.aspx

We mostly deal with classes in the namespaces System, System.IO, and System.Collections.Generic, and you can drill down to them.

One complication is that variations on these classes and methods are included for several Microsoft languages. Under the Syntax heading, make sure the C# tab is selected.

For example, you can click in the left column on System.Collections Namespaces, and then System.Collections.Generic, and then, say, List(T). (In C# that is List<T>.)

The summary section separates constructors, properties, and methods. When you see one of these with promise, click on it to get the full details. For example, click on the first method in the Methods section, Add, or something new, like IndexOf, or Reverse, or Sort....

Classes also can be classified in several ways for browsing:

• Those you will want to be fairly familiar with pretty soon: string, List, Dictionary
• Those that might be useful, that you should be at least aware of.
• Those that may be useful eventually, but are not worth your time now.

You will find material in various categories as you browse:

• Methods that make sense and are useful right away
• Methods that take a little reading to absorb
• Features that we have yet to discuss
• Features that are well beyond what we have talked about - ask or wait or read a lot.