How to Learn .Net Programming Online

Learning a new skill online can seem challenging if you’re unsure where to look first, and .NET programming is no different. .NET programming allows you to work within a framework of 32 programming languages. You’ll want to ensure that you’re focused before you take your first lesson. This guide will outline how you can prepare for online learning to help you through each step of your learning process. 

What is .NET Programming?

.NET programming is an extensive framework consisting of 32 programming languages and many resources. Microsoft created it in the 1990s to increase the usability of its projects. While Microsoft privately used it for a long time, it eventually became adapted into .NET Core, an open-source tool released in 2016. Since then, it’s become a staple resource for coders who complete projects with C#, C++, F#, and many other programming languages.

It’s good to know .NET programming because of its versatility. Many combine it with other programming skills to create new libraries and frameworks. For example, people who use Python can combine it with .NET Core’s resources to create a Python.NET library. With this skill under your belt, you’ll be able to mesh it with your other talents and use it to your advantage.

Read more about what .NET programming is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with .NET Programming?

.NET programming is especially prominent in the gaming industry, which has become a $197 billion business as of 2022. Unity is one of the most popular game-making resources on the internet, and its programming language is C#. This programming language is also one of the most commonly-used languages within .NET Core. C# helps power popular games like Among Us, Beat Saber, Hollow Knight, Fall Guys, and Pokemon Go, and many solo developers and AAA game creators use it as their games’ backbone. 

.NET is also common in applications for websites and mobile devices, making web development, mobile development, and iOS app development excellent industries to explore if you have these skills. Why not combine these two uses into one? Mobile games have grown in popularity and are only expected to grow in the future. If you have app development skills, you can work in any industry because every business would love an app to accompany their products, tools, and services. Learn these skills and pick a field that piques your interest—that will take you far into your career, and you’ll work with something you enjoy.

Live Online .NET Programming Training

Live online courses are the best choice for anyone with a tight schedule who enjoys working with people in real time. The biggest perk of this training format is that you can learn from anywhere, whether in your office, bedroom, or another place unrelated to your typical routine. Some challenges you might face include creating a distraction-free environment, but the good news is that if you cannot focus in your workspace one day, you can always move to another one. 

If you’re unsure where to start when it comes to creating your distraction-free environment, you can always look into how to learn online. Once you’re comfortable with your work set-up, it’s time to search for live online classes. Noble Desktop has an excellent selection of courses related to .NET programming. Other live online venues include Wild Code Schools, Code Fellows, Strive School, and NexGen Bootcamp. Any option you choose will take you one step closer to your programming goals.

On-Demand .NET Programming Classes

Suppose you’re planning to learn .NET programming but face time, responsibilities, and money restrictions. You might be making moves to make room for formal classes, but you have the drive to start learning now. Thankfully, on-demand classes are a practical option while you wait. 

These classes are known for their self-paced format, meaning you can pause, rewind, and restart the videos as you need. They’re also not affected by any schedule, meaning you can learn from them early in the morning, during your lunch break, or at night after your kids are asleep. The only limit is your willingness to start. 

On-demand classes for .NET programming are rarer because they have many components that require in-depth analysis to understand. Look into some on-demand web development classes to help you start and branch out from there. Remember that this is a temporary resource; you’ll eventually want to transition into classes that occur in real time. That way, you can ask your instructors questions as they arise and will be sure that you will receive an answer in a reasonable amount of time.

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

Are you still deciding whether to start taking full certificate programs or bootcamps? That’s understandable, especially if this is your first time exploring .NET programming. Most people find that watching a free online tutorial first gives them a sense of the topics and what they need to learn. 

.NET programming can seem complicated if you dive into it without learning its prerequisites. You might find that introductory videos—such as the Intro to Front End Web Development, Intro to JavaScript, or Intro to Python Fundamentals tutorials—will make things easier. Watching the online tutorials in these areas will give you an overview of each and help you decide where to start. 

Read about more free .NET programming videos and online tutorials.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

You might be searching for .NET programming classes and wondering which format to choose. The truth is that all of them are solid options, but whether they’re the best option for you will depend on your overall goals and intentions for them. Ask yourself: What do you intend to get out of these classes, and what do you want to accomplish along the way?

On-demand classes are an excellent place to start when you’re first looking into classes but are still adjusting your schedule. You won’t need to make room for them because they’re self-paced and can be completed anytime. The biggest benefit to the on-demand format is that many on-demand classes are either free or low-cost, making them budget-friendly while saving up for a certificate program related to your desired field. The main drawback is that most on-demand courses are intended for beginners, and you’ll want to join an in-person or live online program to delve into more complex topics needed to get a job. 

In-person classes are a solid choice if you have extra time and don’t have as many time-consuming obligations, such as taking care of your kids. You’ll work in a dedicated, distraction-free environment and will have the opportunity to connect with a network of peers who share similar goals. Live online courses are an excellent alternative if you need to save that extra time or want to spend it on other commitments. 

Live online classes are best for those who want the quality of in-person classes without the commute or the time lost. Everything in your classes takes place in real time, and you’ll work with the same experts teaching your in-person classes. The main drawback of live online courses is that you’ll need to set up your own work environment, but that can also be a blessing in disguise. You can create your ideal workspace—whether it’s your office, bedroom, or favorite cafe—and once you’ve set it up, you’re good to go for the rest of your online learning journey.

Tips to Succeed when Learning .NET Programming Online

There’s plenty to think about before you start learning online. You’ve probably already picked your class, registered, and contacted your instructor. From there, you’ll need to prepare everything on your end. It’s all good, though—you’ll be able to easily tackle your online learning once you’ve followed through with these simple steps. 

Set Up Your Workspace

Organization is key to any successful classroom, even if that classroom is your home. Setting up your workspace is important, so it’s conducive to focusing for a long time. Having the TV on while trying to listen to your instructor will make it harder to focus. It’s best to avoid rooms with any entertainment system, from your television to your video game collection, to ensure you won’t be tempted to turn them on. 

The same goes for any other distractions you might have around your home. You’ll want to choose a space that won’t tempt you to walk away from the computer or start a conversation with your spouse during a lesson. Pick a room that doesn’t have a ton of foot traffic to ensure you won’t be interrupted. That means your kitchen or living room should be avoided if possible. Ideally, your workspace should also be clear of clutter to help ease your mind without thinking about cleaning it. 

Try to keep buzzing and beeping to a minimum by leaving your phone in another room. If you’re working from a location that isn’t your home, such as a library or cafe, you can leave your phone in your car or a portable phone jail, so you’re not tempted to check it. If those aren’t an option, you can always put it in your backpack on airplane mode until class is done. As long as your phone isn’t visible and doesn’t make noise, you’re good to go. 

Communicate with your Friends & Family

You might have contacted your class about your online learning, but have you informed your household? It’ll be helpful for your family to know that you’re learning online so your kids don’t run in the background of your screen. Set aside time during dinner or leisure to inform your housemates about your upcoming classes—really, any time you’re all in one place will work. Explain that it will be online, and you’ll be able to set up a work environment that will allow you to focus. 

If your kids are in school and you’ll all be home at the same time, you can designate your class hours as study time. That way, everyone will be productive, and you’ll set the expectation that your entire household should be focused on studies during those specific hours. The same goes for roommates that aren’t necessarily family—even if they don’t have studies, they can make plans to step out while you’re studying. If they’ve been meaning to do something for a while, your study time is an excellent time to start. You'll be set as long as your plan works for you and your house. 

Tell friends about your classes’ timeframe, too, so they don’t call or stop by your house during your lesson. That way, they won’t be concerned if you don’t answer the phone for a few hours. No matter who is in your life, they’ll quickly adapt to your schedule, and you should find that as long as you communicate your plans, everything will work out well. 

Prepare Your Online Learning Tools & Resources

Once you’ve told everyone who needs to know about your study plans, it’s time to implement them! Head to your classes’ website and look over your instructor’s contact information. That includes their email, phone number, digital classroom ID, and any passwords you might need. Having a physical notebook nearby will also allow you to jot down notes without switching between your class and your Word doc to take notes. Note-taking also helps focus and removes the stress of remembering everything the instructor says. Write them down in a physical notebook to ensure you can still find them if your laptop becomes inaccessible. 

On the note of technology failures, make sure you have a backup plan in case of a technology failure. Life happens—laptops run out of battery, the power goes out, and the wi-fi somehow becomes disconnected—and it’s a good idea to plan for the unexpected. Try to have a backup computer in the library or a housemate’s computer. 

At the very least, try to find a way to connect to the class’s video chat through your tablet. Worst case scenario, if you can’t reconnect, reach out to your instructor and let them know. The best backup plan is the one you’ll never need to implement, and you’ll be prepared for when the unexpected occurs. That will reduce stress and give you confidence—and reassurance—to focus on your studies and your goals. 

Learn Web Development with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

When you’re learning .NET programming, you’ll want to have mastery of the fundamentals, and all of those fundamentals can be exercised through learning web development. Since .NET programming covers front end and back end concepts, you’ll be well-suited to take a Full Stack Web Development Certificate program. Full stack covers both ends of web development and will lay down the groundwork you need to enter your first tech job before you even start exploring .NET programming. 

If you feel overwhelmed by learning web development at once, try taking a Front End Web Development Certificate course instead. Front end web development covers the easiest three programming languages available—HTML, CSS, and JavaScript—and is the skill set of choice for beginners. If you’re up for a challenge and want to learn more coding skills beyond full stack, the Software Engineering Certificate program covers a broad range of topics, including web development, React, and Python. These topics have high usage in .NET programmer roles and will certainly be worth your while. 

You can find more web development classes that will enhance these skills and give you a solid foundation to work from when you explore .NET programming in further detail. The best part about these programs is that they take place in real-time, offer free retakes, and feature experts in the field. Noble Desktop has your back no matter where you decide to take your programming journey.

Key Insights

• Take some time searching for a quiet, relaxing workspace that allows you to focus.
• Review everything you need before, during, and after your class begins.
• Tell your friends and family about your classes, especially if you live with them. 
• Make plans to make your class times a special time for others to be productive.
• Prepare for the unexpected, and you’ll have a stress-free lesson ready to go!