Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of the arrival of Microsoft's .NET platform is the standardization of C# and the Common Language Runtime. Now, for the first time, programmers can develop and use open-source projects that are based on a language that is an international standard as well as compatible with both Microsoft and Linux platforms. Open Source .NET Development is the definitive guide on .NET development in an open-source environmentInside, readers will find in-depth information on using NAnt, NDoc, NUnit, Draco.NET, log4net, and Aspell.Net with both Visual Studio .NET and the Mono Project. Brian Nantz not only shares the best open-source and "free" tools, frameworks, components, and products for .NET, he also provides usable, practical examples and projects. The result is a highly accessible reference for finding the tools that best fit your needs.Highlights includeAn introduction to open source and its implementations of the .NET standards .NET development with open-source tools, including build automation, XML documentation, unit testing, continuous integration, and application loggingA simple example of Integrating .NET open-source projects that integrates an Open Source SVG component with a System.Drawing graphical editorAn Aspell.Net case study that shows the use of Draco.NET Continuous Integration in conjunction with NAnt, NUnit, NDoc, and the SharpDevelop IDEAn exclusive look at ADO.NET database and ASP.NET Web development using PostgreSQL that runs on both Windows and LinuxAppendixes on NAnt and NAntContrib tasks, log4netAppender configurations, and open-source security observationsWhether you are a .NET developer interested in learning more about open-source tools or an open-source developer curious about .NET, this book will bridge the divide between these formerly distinct camps. The accompanying CD-ROM includes the book's .NET open-source coding examples, as well as many of the featured tools.
I would like to thank Addison-Wesley for giving me the opportunity to write this book. What a great team to work with. Special thanks to Stephane Nakib, Ebony Haight, Michael Mullen, and Curt Johnson, who have graciously guided me along the whole process.I would also like to thank my family for putting up with many late nights and a constant state of distraction. Thanks to Candi, Charlotte, John, and Thomas for always supporting me. Thanks to Mom and Dad for investing in my education from whence all things begin. Thank you all for letting me follow my dreams.A thank you does not seem adequate enough acknowledgment for all my reviewers and those who helped with this book. Francisco Figueiredo Jr., Nicko Cadell, Ian MacLean, Nick Varacalli, Arild Fines, Rhys Weatherley, Bernard Vander Beken, Tom Jordan, Chad Wach, Dan Maharry, Christophe Nasarre, and Ben Maurer. These reviewers are responsible for making this book readable and concise. Thank you all for your suggestions and insight.Finally, I would like to thank all the Open Source developers out there, without whom this book would never have been written. Thanks for your constant devotion and dedication to your projects. Thanks for letting us all learn from you and your ideas.Brian Nantz
/ 275