I have been a web developer for my entire development career. Nearly 100% microsoft focused the entire time. I have been using .Net, both C# and VB.Net, since beta. I now find myself in a position to where I have the opportunity to start doing some WinForms development in C# using the 3.5 framework. As with anything new, I am excited about the learning opportunity in front of me.
I am curious if anyone has any suggested books, articles, feedback, etc on the topic of transitioning from web development to winforms in the .Net world.
I think it goes without saying that the paradigms are very different. I really enjoy C# because of how easy it is to write great windows software.
Start by getting into the IDE and creating a real but small project. One of my first C# projects was a light weight budget program. That took me into many areas of C#, from XML handling to custom windows controls, to debugging, and more.
Experience is the best teacher. Take time to look at the function lists, and peruse the documentation. Get a feel for what is in the thousands of classes that make up .NET.
Reading books can be nice, but getting your hands dirty (in conjunction with a good book) is far more effective.
Set a goal and go for it, you will have no problem learning all about it. Don’t be afraid to try things and take risks — it helps you learn the system.