Static Constructors

As Wikipedia explains, a constructor is a special method that is used to initialize member data. This member data can be object’s data, i.e. for each individually object (instance of a class) these fields are initialized with specific values, or class’s data known as static data, available to all instance objects as 1 global resource.

We all know object constructors, but are there any other constructors? Well, YES: static constructors!

Static constructors are used like “normal” constructors, but are prefixed with the keyword “static” and are used to initialize static members. This initialization occurs when the class is used for the first time.

Here is a simple example:

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I’ve started working. 3 weeks ago. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, mostly because I still have another year (5 total) to attend at the University: it’s a full-time job, which means it’s gonna take it’s toll.

After the .NET training I’ve participated to this spring, organized by ISDC, I felt interested in seeing the practical side of SD (Software Development ) , i.e. how real software is made.I know form other people that the best solution is to focus on classes during Faculty semesters and find a good internship over summer.That was my plan, too. Unfortunately the offers aren’t that many in Cluj (at least not in winter- spring 2007).

After the training, I applied for a job as a .NET Software Dev and I got it. August 1st was my first day as a Junior Developer. Although I’m still in training, I work on a pretty interesting project involving Web Services, ORM, Custom Controls and other.

The reason I did this is because ISDC is one of the top software companies in Cluj. It has a lot of experienced people and a nice career plan, which makes it a good place to start and steadily build one’s career. I expect to learn a lot, work on interesting projects and build quality software. Of course without leaving school aside

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One of the most common question people ask me is “Where should I learn C#?” Of course, I get it from people who want to learn C#.

Although now, unlike 3-4 years ago, the web is full of tutorials, free books, webcasts, etc. (maybe too full), it’s becoming harder to find the good and really good resources. By “good resource” I understand a resource that starts with basic stuff and gradually takes the reader/viewer more in-depth, in a sustained way.

I had a list of my own containing good books, but it was getting old, so I decided to ask my MSP colleagues what books they recommend. With help from Vlad Riscutia, Mircea Cimpoi, Razvan & Bogdan Hobeanu, Alexandru Ghiondea and Mihai Tataran, I updated my list to this:

1) Beginner Level

	Deitel - Visual C# 2005 How to Program, 2nd Edition Author: Harvey & Paul Deitel & Associates Publisher: Prentice Hall, 2005 ISBN-10: 0131525239 ISBN-13: 978-0131525238
	Microsoft Visual C# 2005 Step by Step Author: John Sharp Publisher: Microsoft Press, 2005 ISBN-10: 0735621292 ISBN-13: 978-0735621299

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