Overview
This course builds on the foundations of C# programming, introducing advanced object-oriented programming techniques and key features of the .NET Framework and .NET Core. Designed for learners who have completed the C# Fundamentals course or have equivalent experience, it takes participants deeper into inheritance, abstract classes, interfaces, delegates, lambda expressions, LINQ, and database connectivity with Entity Framework. Learners will also gain the skills to implement robust error handling and work effectively with data and files. By focusing on console applications, class libraries, unit test projects, and database-first Entity Framework techniques, the course equips developers with practical, transferable skills to create maintainable, scalable solutions. Sessions combine lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, ensuring learners can apply new concepts immediately.
Prerequisites
Learners should have:
- Knowledge of C# equivalent to QA’s C# Fundamentals course, including methods, properties, and constructors
- Basic understanding of object-oriented principles such as abstraction and encapsulation
- Familiarity with Visual Studio or similar development environments
Target audience
This course is designed for:
- Developers with existing C# experience seeking to advance their skills
- Professionals building .NET Framework or .NET Core applications who need to apply advanced language features
- Programmers aiming to enhance application maintainability and scalability through advanced C# techniques
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Create derived classes that inherit from custom or .NET base classes
- Apply polymorphism effectively through abstract classes and interfaces
- Implement and consume delegates, including built-in delegate types
- Use lambda expressions to streamline code and improve readability
- Connect to databases using Entity Framework in a database-first approach
- Query and manipulate data using LINQ with best practice techniques
- Handle exceptions effectively to build robust applications
- Work with data collections and files within .NET applications
Course Outline
Review of object-oriented programming principles
- Why object orientation matters
- Recap of core concepts: abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism
- Classes, instances, and the ‘this’ keyword
- Handling null references
Inheritance and abstract classes
- Creating and working with derived classes
- Polymorphism and virtual members
- Overriding methods and invoking base class functionality
- Abstract classes and their use cases
- Casting techniques: up-casting, down-casting, and the is/as operators
Working with interfaces
- Defining and implementing interfaces
- Achieving polymorphism with interfaces
- Implementing multiple interfaces
Delegates and lambda expressions
- Understanding delegates and their purpose
- Built-in delegate types: Func, Action, and Predicate
- Creating and using lambda expressions
- Practical examples combining delegates and lambdas
Database access with Entity Framework
- Overview of ORM principles
- Database-first vs code-first approaches
- Configuring models, connection strings, and contexts
- Querying and updating data
- Introduction to LINQ in Entity Framework
- Using appsettings.json for configuration
- IEnumerable vs IQueryable considerations
Language Integrated Query (LINQ)
- Syntax fundamentals and query patterns
- Projections and transformations
- Deferred vs immediate execution
- Joins, aggregations, and group joins
- Using the let clause and OfType method
- LINQ best practices
Exception handling
- try, catch, finally, and throw keywords
- Understanding execution flow during exceptions
- Throwing and rethrowing exceptions
- Creating and using custom exception types
Exams and assessments
There are no formal exams for this course. Learners will complete practical coding tasks, targeted challenges, and interactive exercises to validate their understanding of key concepts.
Hands-on learning
This course includes:
- Guided coding exercises for advanced object-oriented techniques
- Practical examples of delegates, lambdas, and LINQ queries
- Configuring and querying databases using Entity Framework
- Real-world error handling scenarios to improve application resilience
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
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If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course.
Once you have purchased the Online course and have completed your registration, you will receive the necessary details to enable you to immediately access it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.