Best Microsoft .NET Books of 2025

"C# 13 and .NET 9 – Modern Cross-Platform Development Fundamentals" serves as an essential guide for beginner-to-intermediate programmers seeking to master the latest features of C# 13 and .NET 9. This updated edition provides hands-on exercises with ASP.NET Core 9, Blazor, and EF Core 9, ensuring readers can build professional websites and services efficiently. The book’s practical approach, combined with its coverage of new enhancements like optimized static assets and built-in OpenAPI document generation, makes it a standout resource. Overall, it equips readers with the skills and confidence needed to create high-performance web applications using cutting-edge technologies.

"Real-World Web Development with .NET 9" is a comprehensive guide that empowers developers to build professional websites and services using ASP.NET Core MVC, Web API, and Umbraco CMS. This book offers hands-on experience in creating maintainable code, securing applications, and deploying with containerization techniques. Overall, this book stands out for its practical approach and thorough coverage of essential web development topics. It not only equips readers with the skills to develop robust applications but also introduces them to Umbraco CMS, making it an invaluable resource for intermediate .NET developers looking to enhance their capabilities in content management systems.

Pro C# 10 with .NET 6 serves as a comprehensive guide for developers looking to deepen their understanding of C# coding and the .NET framework. This expanded edition covers essential features like Entity Framework, Razor Pages, and Web APIs, while also enhancing critical thinking skills through in-depth discussions. What sets this book apart is its focus on foundational principles, alongside the latest updates in C# 10 and .NET 6, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced developers. Overall, it’s an essential read for anyone aiming to elevate their coding expertise and navigate the expansive .NET universe.

"C# 12 and .NET 8 – Modern Cross-Platform Development Fundamentals" serves as an accessible guide for beginner-to-intermediate programmers eager to master the latest features of C# 12 and .NET 8. The book offers hands-on exercises with Visual Studio 2022 and Visual Studio Code, covering essential concepts like object-oriented programming and API management. Overall, this edition stands out for its integration of the latest .NET enhancements and practical examples, making it a valuable resource for developers looking to build professional web applications. Its clear instruction and focus on best practices make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their programming skills in modern development environments.

The "Blazor Web Development Cookbook" by Paweł Bazyluk is an essential guide for developers looking to master advanced web development with Blazor in .NET 9. This cookbook provides practical recipes that cover everything from building customizable components to managing application states and integrating AI features. Bazyluk’s expertise shines through as he navigates complex scenarios while emphasizing modularity and security.

Pro ASP.NET Core 6 is a comprehensive guide for professional developers looking to master the latest features of the ASP.NET Core platform. In its 9th edition, author Adam Freeman expertly covers essential topics, from middleware components to advanced concepts like dependency injection, all tailored for .NET 6. The book stands out with its practical case study, providing readers with a template for real-world application development. Overall, this updated edition is an invaluable resource for those aiming to enhance their skills and produce cleaner, more efficient web applications.

"Microsoft .NET - Architecting Applications for the Enterprise" serves as a comprehensive guide for software architects navigating the complexities of modern application design. This fully updated Second Edition emphasizes the importance of domain-driven design, multilayer architecture, and user experience, providing practical insights to enhance maintainability and code quality. Authors Dino Esposito and Andrea Saltarello bring their extensive expertise to the forefront, making complex concepts accessible. Overall, this book stands out for its pragmatic approach to software architecture, equipping readers with the tools necessary to succeed in today’s evolving technological landscape.

"Apps and Services with .NET 8 - Second Edition" by Mark Price serves as a comprehensive guide for .NET developers, covering essential technologies like Blazor Full Stack, ASP.NET Core, gRPC, and GraphQL. The book emphasizes practical applications, providing insights into cloud-native data management and service architecture. Overall, this edition stands out for its breadth of coverage and the inclusion of modern enhancements such as ADO.NET SqlClient's AOT support. With its focus on best practices and real-world applications, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their .NET skills and develop robust applications.

"Microsoft® .NET: Architecting Applications for the Enterprise" provides readers with essential architectural guidance for building robust enterprise applications. Led by experts Dino Esposito and his co-author, this book delves into critical patterns and techniques that enhance testability, maintainability, and security from the outset of the design process. Esposito's insights into service-oriented interfaces and data access layers make this book a valuable resource for developers seeking to streamline project complexity. Overall, the book stands out for its practical approach and the wealth of code samples available online, making it an indispensable tool for anyone involved in enterprise-level programming.

Pro ASP.NET Core 7, Tenth Edition, is a comprehensive guide that equips developers with the skills needed to build cloud-native web applications using ASP.NET Core. Author Adam Freeman leads readers through essential topics such as RESTful web services, Razor Pages, and authentication, all while crafting a practical online store project. This updated edition covers the latest advancements in .NET 7, making it an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced developers. Its engaging, hands-on approach and thorough explanations set it apart, making it a must-have for anyone serious about mastering ASP.NET Core.