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Beginner Developer Learning Center

Beginner Developer Learning Center: Overview

Welcome to the Beginner Developer Learning Center - a centralized learning environment specifically targeted to beginning programmers. Here you'll find a rich array of learning content that starts with the very basics, and guides you through step-by-step to becoming a fully-fledged developer!

No experience or programming knowledge required - so dive right in!

For an overview of all the lessons available on this site, see My Learning Path.

All lessons in the Beginner Developer Learning Center are organized into two development tracks: Windows Development and Web Development.

Web Development

Are you interested in creating dynamic web sites, or building online applications and services? Then this is the Development Track for you!

 



Windows Development

Would you like to customize your desktop with cool utilities or build fun Windows applications and PC games? Then you should explore this Development Track

 



In addition, all Lessons are classified into Tiers or levels of difficulty to make it easier to choose the right lessons for your skill level.

Tier 1 Lessons are a great place to start if you're brand-new to programming. Most of these lessons don't assume any prior software development knowledge and will take the time to introduce basic concepts.

 



Tier 2 Lessons assume you understand the foundations of .NET development. These lessons will proceed at a faster pace, and cover a lot of the core concepts of Windows and Web development. By the end of these lessons, you should be able to create a basic, working application!

 



Tier 3 Lessons follow up on the skills learned in Tier 2. These lessons expand your knowledge of Windows and Web development with more advanced concepts such as data access and debugging. If you finish the Tier 3 lessons, Congratulations – you've graduated from the Beginner Developer Learning Center and can officially call yourself a Software Developer!

 


 Get Started 
 
  • Decide if you're interested in either Web or Windows Development Tracks

  • Assess your skill level and Lesson Tier

  • Download, install & register one of the Visual Studio Express Editions for free

  • Check out My Learning Path to get an overview of the lessons contained in each development track
 
   



Forget how a control works? Check out the How-To Reference Library for quick refreshers.

 

The Kid's Corner makes learning to program fun for kids!

 

Free eBooks now available on the registration benefits portal. 

Visual Basic 2008 Express: Build a Program Now!

Visual C# 2008 Express: Build a Program Now!

*Note: You will need to log into the Microsoft Connect site with the Windows Live ID that was used to register your copy of Visual Studio Express to access the registration benefits portal.
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