When comparing Head First C# vs C# 5.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference, the Slant community recommends C# 5.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference for most people. In the question“What are the best books to learn C# web development?” C# 5.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference is ranked 2nd while Head First C# is ranked 4th. The most important reason people chose C# 5.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference is:
Detailed information and code examples you won't find in any other book about C#.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Fun and engaging teaching style
As with all "Head First" books, "Head First C#" is written with a humurous, casual style that keeps the reader engaged. The creative use of captions and images increase retention of the material.
Pro Plenty of projects and examples
"Head First C#" is hands-on right from the beginning. The reader has plenty of opportunity to use their new C# skills as they are guided through developing fun programs (such as games).
Pro Detailed
Detailed information and code examples you won't find in any other book about C#.
Pro Clear and concise reference book for C#
"C# 5.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference" has an impressive index, making everything quick to find despite it's size (over 1000 pages). Concepts are explained clearly and in-depth.
Cons
Con Progresses too quickly for beginners
Head First C# progresses at a fast pace, resulting in terms or concepts being only touched on briefly or skipped entirely.
Con Not about web development
This is more about C# than about web development.
Con Lack of context
This book is not designed as a tutorial, but as a reference only. For someone who hasn't yet been introduced to C#, "C# 5.0 in a Nutshell: The Definitive Reference" is going to be hard to follow.
