The book in your hands is a different kind of programming book. Like an entertaining video game, programming is an often challenging but always rewarding experience. This book shakes off the dusty, dull, dryness of the typical programming book, replacing it with something more exciting and flavorful: a bit of humor, a casual tone, and examples involving dragons and asteroids instead of bank accounts and employees.And since you learn to program by doing instead of just reading, this book contains over 100 hands-on programming challenges. You will be building software instead of just reading about it. By completing the challenges, you’ll earn experience points, level up, and become a True C# Programmer!This book covers the C# language from the ground up. It doesn’t assume you’ve been programming for years, but it also doesn’t hold back on exciting, powerful language features.The journey begins by getting you set up to program in C#.We will then explore the basic mechanics of C#: statements, expressions, variables, if statements, loops, and methods.Next, we dive deep into a powerful and central feature of C#: object-oriented programming, which is an essential tool needed to build larger programs.We then look at the advanced C# features that make the language unique, elegant, and powerful.With this book as your companion, you will soon be off to save the world (or take it over) with your own C# programs!The 5th Edition is updated for C# 10, .NET 6, and Visual Studio 2022. Read more

To deliver the insights that give them a competitive advantage, organizations increasingly turn to the proven Medallion architecture. Yet implementing a robust data architecture can be difficult, particularly when it comes to using the Medallion architecture's Bronze, Silver, and Gold layers--done wrong, it can hamper your ability to make data-driven decisions. This practical guide helps you build a Medallion architecture the right way with Azure Databricks and Microsoft Fabric.Drawing on hands-on experience from the field, Piethein Strengholt demystifies common assumptions and complex problems you'll face when embarking on a new data architecture. Architects and engineers of all stripes will find answers to the most typical questions along with insights from real organizations about what's worked, what hasn't, and why.You'll learn: Learn how to build a Medallion architecture with Azure Databricks and Microsoft FabricGain insights from three real case studies that illustrate practical field experience and lessons learnedExplore scaling considerations, including governance, security, generative AI, and moreMake informed decisions when designing or implementing new data architecturesGet proven patterns for success that align with broader organizational objectives Read more

C# Programming in easy steps, 3rd edition teaches you how to code applications and demonstrates every aspect of the C# language you will need to produce professional programming results. Its examples provide clear syntax-highlighted code showing C# language basics including variables, arrays, logic, looping, methods, and classes.The book begins by explaining how to install the free Visual Studio Community Edition, to create an environment in which you can quickly begin to create your own executable programs by copying the book's examples. It demonstrates all the C# language basics before moving on to provide examples of Object Oriented Programming. It concludes by demonstrating how you can use your acquired knowledge to create graphic programs for traditional PC Desktop apps, and also as Universal apps for multiple devices. You need have no previous knowledge of any programming language, so it's ideal for the newcomer to computer programming. Also ideal for:Programmers moving from another programming language.Students who are studying C# programming at school or college. Those seeking a career in computing who need a fundamental understanding of procedural programming. Free, downloadable sample code is available to download from our website for checking against your own work. Read more

Are You Ready to create your own epic games? This book is your ultimate ticket to mastering Unity Game Development.- Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free eBook in the PDF format.- Newly Edited and Updated Version (Third Edition) for Unity 2022+.- July 2023 Update: All chapters and assets are fully compatible with Unity 2022+ and a new chapter on Game Design has been added.- December 2023 Update: Updated Chapter on Game Design + New Bonus Chapter on more UI and animation.Master Unity Faster Are you ready to turn your gaming passion into reality? This book is your ultimate guide to mastering Unity game development. No prior experience needed! Dive into the exciting world of Unity and learn step-by-step how to design captivating 2D and 3D environments, program engaging gameplay mechanics, and create stunning visual effects. Imagine building your dream games and impressing friends and potential employers with your skills. This book series equips you with the essential knowledge and hands-on practice to become a confident Unity developer. Don't miss out on this opportunity! Join the thriving game development community and bring your imagination to life. Grab your copy of this book now and embark on your journey to becoming a pro Unity developer!What you will learn After completing this book, you will be able to:Understand and apply C# concepts (variables, functions, etc).Create a 3D adventure game.Create a user interface (text and images).Add intelligent NPCs that chase the player.Create a 2D word-guessing game and an infinite runner.Load new scenes in your games.Apply Game Design.Animate 3D objects.Create a CCTV Camera.Master Unity and Programming for AllBeginners in Game Development: You will get started in game development and build a strong foundation in Unity with a step-by-step approach, teaching you the fundamentals and empowering you to confidently create your games.Aspiring Game Designers: You will translate your creative ideas into playable games, design captivating 2D and 3D environments, and program engaging and immersive gameplay mechanics and experiencesIndie Game Developers: You will enhance your skills, with this book series that will help you with advanced Unity features, optimization techniques, and industry best practices.Students and Educators: You will find a comprehensive resource to learn and teach Unity.Career Switchers: You will be able to transition into the game development industry easily, and also acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and portfolio-building guidance.Topics Included in this bookIntroduction to C#.Coding your first script in C#.Improving your scripting skills.Creating a scoring system and an inventory system.Detecting collisions and loading new levels.Creating and updating a user interface with user messages, the score, the items collected, a health bar, and a mini-map.Adding sound effects and background music.Adding intelligent Non-Player Characters (NPCs) that chase the player.Creating a 2D word-guessing game and a 2D infinite runner.Game Design concepts to make your game more entertaining.Creating a user interface (buttons, health bar, personalized fonts, etc.).Animating doors or cameras using C#.Creating a character controller from scratch.Unleash Your Game Development Potential Today This book stands out with its beginner-friendly approach, step-by-step tutorials, and practical examples, ensuring you become a skilled Unity developer faster than ever.So, unlock your game development potential! Buy this book now and start creating your dream games today. Read more

Newly Edited and Updated Version (Third Edition) for Unity 2020Learn C# with Unity, and create a full FPS game without the headachesWithout this book, most people spend too long trying to learn C# with Unity the hard way. This book is the only one that will get you to learn Unity fast without wasting so much time. It includes twelve chapters that painlessly teach you the necessary skills to create an FPS game and to learn intermediate C# and Unity techniques.What you will learnAfter completing this book, you will be able to:Use Unity's built-in methods.Use Rigidbody physics to propel airborne objects.Use a Finite State Machine to create intelligent Non-Payer Characters(NPCs).Manage 3D animations for the NPCs.Create NPCs who can chase the player.Create and manage weapons and ammunition for the player.Include advanced Artificial Intelligence for NPCs including: vision, hearing, random paths, fleeing from or ambusghing the player.Create a 2D scrolling shooter.Content and structure of this bookThe content of the books is as follows:In Chapter 1, you will create a simple 3D game where the user has to reach the end of the level by avoiding projectiles from intelligent robots.In Chapter 2, you will create a gun and a grenade launcher that the player can use to defeat enemies.In Chapter 3, you will start to use Mecanim and NavMesh navigation to control an animated character that detects, follows, or attacks the player.In Chapter 4, you will combine the skills that you have acquired in the previous chapters to create a fully functional level where the player needs to escape a level full of armed NPCs. You will also learn how to generate a game level dynamically from your code.In Chapter 5, you will add off mesh links and manage costs and areas so that NPCs can avoid sections.In Chapter 6, you will make it possibel for NPCs to follow fixed or random paths.In Chapter 7, you will add vision and hearing to the NPCs.In Chapter 8, you will create smarter NPCs that can flee from or ambush the player.In Chapter 9, you will control an army of NPCs and create an AI-driven oppoite team.In Chapter 10, you will create a simple 2D scrolling shooter.In Chapter 11, you will improve your game by adding explosions and a scrolling background.In Chapter 12, you will add intelligent spaceships that attack the player.In Chapter 13, you will include a shield to the player's spaceship, along with other interesting features (e.g., sound FX, a scoring system, etc).If you want to create FPS games, Intelligent NPCs, and 2D Shooters with Unity using a tried-and-tested method: download this book now! Read more

The top-selling Windows book for the older and wiser crowdWindows 11 For Seniors For Dummies, 2nd Edition delivers fluff-free information on making the latest version of Windows work for you. You'll get clear guidance on the basics, troubleshooting tips, and advice for staying safe while you use Windows to get online. Even if you've never used Windows before, this friendly guide will quickly teach you how to get started, without all the jargon and complicated steps. These simple steps and solutions give you the confidence boost you need to navigate the latest interface and even try out the artificial intelligence tools built into Windows. With larger print and clearer graphics, this For Seniors title saves you time and energy as you learn your way around your Windows computer. Get started with the latest version of Windows―without a lot of unnecessary jargonCommunicate with friends, keep track of files, share photos and videos, and stream your favorite mediaTry out Copilot, the Windows AI tool that offers fast answers to any questionBe your own tech guru with step-by-step troubleshooting and maintenance adviceThese days, a new computer or a new Windows update shouldn't have to slow you down. Spend less time learning and more time doing, with this edition of Windows For Seniors For Dummies. Read more

Are you ready to create your own epic games? This book is your ultimate ticket to mastering Unity game development.- Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free eBook in the PDF format.- Newly Edited and Updated Version (Third Edition) for Unity 2022+.- Updaded in May 2023: All chapters and assets are fully compatible with Unity 2022+Master Unity Faster Are you ready to turn your gaming passion into reality? This book is your ultimate guide to mastering Unity game development. No prior experience needed! Dive into the exciting world of Unity and learn step-by-step how to design captivating 2D and 3D environments, program engaging gameplay mechanics, and create stunning visual effects. Imagine building your dream games and impressing friends and potential employers with your skills. This book series equips you with the essential knowledge and hands-on practice to become a confident Unity developer. Don't miss out on this opportunity! Join the thriving game development community and bring your imagination to life.What you will learn After completing this book, you will be able to:Know and master the features that you need to create 2D and 3D environments for your games.Quickly create (and navigate through) realistic 3D indoors and outdoors environments.Create a 3D Maze with lights, walls, and textures.Use ProBuilder to create a house.Create a realistic island (i.e, trees, sandy beaches, mountains, and water).Include and control a car and a plane.Create a 2D platform game (with no scripting needed).Export your games to the web. Master Unity and Programming for AllBeginners in Game Development: You will get started in game development and build a strong foundation in Unity with a step-by-step approach, teaching you the fundamentals and empowering you to confidently create your own games.Aspiring Game Designers: You will translate your creative ideas into playable games, design captivating 2D and 3D environments, and program engaging and immersive gameplay mechanics and experiences.Indie Game Developers: You will enhance your skills and optimize game performances, with this book series that will help you with advanced Unity features, optimization techniques, and industry best practices.Students and Educators: You will find a comprehensive resource for learning and teaching Unity.Career Switchers: You will be able to transition into the game development industry easily, and also acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and portfolio-building guidance.Topics Included in this bookInstalling UnityBecoming Familiar with the Interface.Creating and Exporting a Scene.Applying colors and textures to objectsManaging cameras.Using first- and third-person controllers to navigate a 3D scene.Moving, scaling, and rotating objects.Creating an indoor scene with textured cubes.Creating an island with a volcano, trees, sandy beaches, and buildings.Including and driving a car or a plane in your scene.Creating a realistic house with ProBuilder and re-use it to create a village.Creating a 2D Side-Scroller.Adding and controlling a 2D characterUnleash Your Game Development Potential Today This comprehensive book stands out with its beginner-friendly approach, step-by-step tutorials, and practical examples, ensuring you become a skilled Unity developer faster than ever.So, unlock your game development potential! Buy this book now and start creating your dream games today. Read more

Create your first 2D, 3D, and AR/VR games with the awesome Unity game platform. With this hands-on beginner's guide, you'll start building games fast! In Unity in Action, Third Edition, you will learn how to: Create characters that run, jump, and bump into thingsBuild 3D first-person shooters and third-person action gamesConstruct 2D card games and side-scrolling platformersScript enemies with AIImprove game graphics by importing models and imagesDesign an intuitive user interface for your gamesPlay music and spatially-aware sound effectsConnect your games to the internet for online playDeploy your games to desktop, mobile, and the web Thousands of new game developers have chosen Joe Hocking's Unity in Action as their first step toward Unity mastery. This fully updated third edition comes packed with fully refreshed graphics, Unity's latest features, and coverage of the augmented and virtual reality toolkits. Using your existing coding skills, you'll write custom code instead of just clicking together premade scripts. You'll master the Unity toolset from the ground up, adding the skills you need to go from application coder to game developer. Build your next game without sweating the low-level details. The Unity game engine handles the heavy lifting, so you can focus on game play, graphics, and user experience. With support for C#, a huge ecosystem of production-quality prebuilt assets, and a strong dev community, Unity will get your game idea off the drawing board and onto the screen! You can even use Unity for more than game development, with new tools for VR and augmented reality that are perfect for developing useful apps. Read more

Learn C# Fast and Learn It Well. Master C# Programming with a unique Hands-On ProjectHave you always wanted to learn computer programming but are afraid it'll be too difficult for you? Or perhaps you know other programming languages but are interested in learning the C# language fast?This book is for you.You no longer have to waste your time and money learning C# from boring books that are 600 pages long, expensive online courses or complicated C# tutorials that just leave you more confused.What this book offers...C# for BeginnersComplex concepts are broken down into simple steps to ensure that you can easily master the C# language even if you have never coded before.Carefully Chosen C# ExamplesExamples are carefully chosen to illustrate all concepts. In addition, the output for all examples are provided immediately so you do not have to wait till you have access to your computer to test the examples.Careful selection of topicsTopics are carefully selected to give you a broad exposure to C#, while not overwhelming you with information overload. These topics include object-oriented programming concepts, error handling techniques, file handling techniques and more.Learn The C# Programming Language FastConcepts are presented in a "to-the-point" style to cater to the busy individual. With this book, you can learn C# in just one day and start coding immediately.How is this book different...The best way to learn C# is by doing. This book includes a unique project at the end of the book that requires the application of all the concepts taught previously. Working through the project will not only give you an immense sense of achievement, it'll also help you retain the knowledge and master the language.Are you ready to dip your toes into the exciting world of C# coding? This book is for you. Click the BUY button now to start learning.What you'll learn:Introduction to C#What is C#?Data types and OperatorsWhat are the common data types in C#?What are arrays and lists?How to format C# stringsWhat is a value type vs reference type?What are the common C# operators?Object Oriented ProgrammingWhat is object oriented programming?How to write your own classesWhat are fields, properties, methods and constructors?What is encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism?What is an abstract class and interface?What is an enum and struct?Controlling the Flow of a ProgramWhat are condition statements?How to use control flow statements in C#What are jump statements?How to handle errors and exceptionsand Others...How to accept user inputs and display outputsHow to use LINQ to save yourself from hours of workHow to work with external files...and so much more....Finally, you'll be guided through a hands-on project that requires the application of all the topics covered. Click the BUY button now and download the book now to start learning C#. Learn it fast and learn it well.Pick up your copy today by clicking the BUY NOW button at the top of this page! Read more

Build fully functional, cloud-ready, and professional web applications using the latest features in the .NET 5 framework and React.js with Microsoft AzureKey FeaturesExplore the new features of .NET 5 with this updated edition of ASP.NET Core 53 and ReactDiscover strategies for adopting a full-stack development approach, clean architecture techniques, and development best practicesLearn how to manage data, design and package applications, and secure your web appsBook DescriptionMicrosoft's .NET framework is a robust server-side framework, now even more powerful thanks to the recent unification of the Microsoft ecosystem with the .NET 5 framework. This updated second edition addresses these changes in the .NET framework and the latest release of React.The book starts by taking you through React and TypeScript components for building an intuitive single-page application and then shows you how to design scalable REST APIs that can integrate with a React-based frontend. Next, you'll get to grips with the latest features, popular patterns, and tools available in the React ecosystem, including function-based components, React Router, and Redux. As you progress through the chapters, you'll learn how to use React with TypeScript to make the frontend robust and maintainable and cover key ASP.NET 5 features such as API controllers, attribute routing, and model binding to build a sturdy backend. In addition to this, you'll explore API security with ASP.NET 5 identity and authorization policies and write reliable unit tests using both .NET and React, before deploying your app on Azure.By the end of this book, you'll have gained the knowledge you need to enhance your C# and JavaScript skills and build full-stack, production-ready applications with ASP.NET 5 and React.What you will learnBuild RESTful APIs with .NET 5 using API controllersSecure REST APIs with identity and authorization policiesCreate strongly typed, interactive, and function-based React components using HooksUnderstand how to style React components using Emotion.jsPerform client-side state management with ReduxRun a range of automated tests on the frontend and backendImplement continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) processes in Azure using Azure DevOpsWho this book is forIf you're a web developer looking to get up to speed with full-stack web application development with .NET Core and React, this book is for you. Although the book does not assume any knowledge of React, a basic understanding of .NET Core will help you to get to grips with the concepts covered.Table of ContentsUnderstanding the ASP.NET 5 React TemplateCreating Decoupled React and ASP.NET 5 AppsGetting Started with React and TypeScriptStyling React Components with EmotionRouting with React RouterWorking with FormsManaging State with ReduxInteracting with the Database with DapperCreating REST API EndpointsImproving Performance and ScalabilitySecuring the BackendInteracting with RESTful APIsAdding Automated TestsConfiguring and Deploying to AzureImplementing CI and CD with Azure DevOps Read more

An accessible guide for beginner-to-intermediate programmers to the concepts, real-world applications, and latest features of C# 13 and .NET 9, with hands-on exercises using Visual Studio and Visual Studio CodeKey FeaturesExplore the newest additions to C# 13, the .NET 9 class libraries, and Entity Framework Core 9Build professional websites and services with ASP.NET Core 9 and BlazorEnhance your skills with step-by-step code examples and best practices tipsBook DescriptionThis Packt bestseller continues to be the definitive guide to modern cross-platform development. The 9th edition of C# 13 and .NET 9 – Modern Cross-Platform Development Fundamentals has been updated to cover the latest features and improvements in .NET 9 and C# 13. You'll start by mastering object-oriented programming, learning how to write, test, and debug functions, and implementing interfaces. You'll then dive into .NET APIs for data management, filesystem operations, and serialization.This latest edition integrates .NET 9 enhancements into its examples: faster exceptions and new LINQ methods. New ASP.NET Core 9 features include optimized static assets, built-in OpenAPI document generation, and the HybridCache.Practical examples, such as building websites and services with ASP.NET Core, have been refreshed to utilize the latest .NET 9 features. The book also introduces Blazor, with its new unified hosting model for unparalleled code reusability. With these updates, you'll learn how to build robust applications and services efficiently and effectively.By the end of this book, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to create professional and high-performance web applications using the latest technologies in C# 13 and .NET 9.What you will learnDiscover the new features of .NET 9, including more flexible params and new LINQ like CountBy and IndexLeverage the new ASP.NET Core 9 features for optimized static assets, OpenAPI document generation, and HybridCacheUtilize the native AOT publish capability for faster startup and reduced memory footprintBuild rich web user interface experiences using Blazor in ASP.NET Core 9Integrate and update databases in your applications using Entity Framework Core 9 modelsQuery and manipulate data using LINQBuild powerful services using Minimal APIsWho this book is forThis book is aimed at beginner to intermediate-level C# and .NET developers. While prior exposure to C# or .NET is not a prerequisite, a general understanding of programming concepts will be beneficial.If you want to learn more technologies for building modern .NET projects like gRPC, SignalR, and .NET MAUI, read Mark's Apps and Services with .NET 8 book next; and if you aim to become a professional .NET developer quickly or mainly work on team projects, read his other book, Tools and Skills for .NET 8.Table of ContentsHello, C#! Welcome, .NET!Speaking C#Controlling Flow, Converting Types, and Handling ExceptionsWriting, Debugging, and Testing FunctionsBuilding Your Own Types with Object-Oriented ProgrammingImplementing Interfaces and Inheriting ClassesPackaging and Distributing .NET TypesWorking with Common .NET TypesWorking with Files, Streams, and SerializationWorking with Data Using Entity Framework CoreQuerying and Manipulating Data Using LINQIntroducing Modern Web Development Using .NETBuilding Websites Using ASP.NET CoreBuilding Interactive Web Components Using BlazorBuilding and Consuming Web Services Read more

DescriptionC# is an amazing language that's up to any challenge you can throw at it. As a C# developer, you also need to be up to the task.C# in Depth, Fourth Edition is the key to unlocking the powerful new features added to the language in C# 5, 6, and 7. Following the expert guidance of C# legend Jon Skeet, readers will master asynchronous functions, expression-bodied members, interpolated strings, tuples, and much more.Key features· Expert guidance· Hands-on examples· Step-by-step guideAudienceIf you're a C# developer who's comfortable working with the language and wants to really dig in deep, then this book is for you.About the technology.NET developers, will use C# whether their building an advanced enterprise application or just pushing out a quick ASP.NET app. C# 5, 6 and 7 have added a host of new features to help users write better code with tuples, string interpolation, pattern matching, and more. Read more

C# has matured over the past decade: It’s now a rich language with generics, functional programming concepts, and support for both static and dynamic typing. This palette of techniques provides great tools for many different idioms, but there are also many ways to make mistakes. In Effective C#, Second Edition, respected .NET expert Bill Wagner identifies fifty ways you can leverage the full power of the C# 4.0 language to express your designs concisely and clearly. Effective C#, Second Edition, follows a clear format that makes it indispensable to hundreds of thousands of developers: clear, practical explanations, expert tips, and plenty of realistic code examples. Drawing on his unsurpassed C# experience, Wagner addresses everything from types to resource management to dynamic typing to multicore support in the C# language and the .NET framework. Along the way, he shows how to avoid common pitfalls in the C# language and the .NET environment. You’ll learn how to Use both types of C# constants for efficiency and maintainability (see Item 2) Employ immutable data types to promote multicore processing (see Item 20) Minimize garbage collection, boxing, and unboxing (see Items 16 and 45) Take full advantage of interfaces and delegates (see Items 22 though 25) Make the most of the parallel framework (see Items 35 through 37) Use duck typing in C# (see Item 38) Spot the advantages of the dynamic and Expression types over reflection (see Items 42 and 43) Assess why query expressions are better than loops (see Item 8) Understand how generic covariance and contravariance affect your designs (see Item 29) See how optional parameters can minimize the number of method overloads (see Item 10) You’re already a successful C# programmer–this book will help you become an outstanding one. Read more

Create, customize, and optimize your own professional games from scratch with Unity 2022Includes invitation to join the online Unity Game Development community to read the book alongside Unity developers/C# programmers and Nicolas BorromeoKey FeaturesCreate the game prototype and learn the fundamentals of Unity editor to build scenes, objects and import objectsAdd interactivity, win/lose conditions, sound, graphics and artificial intelligence using C# and visual scriptingImprove the game graphics, user interface, add visual effects and animations using Animator, Cinemachine, and TimelineBook DescriptionUnity is a cross-platform game engine that provides you with powerful but simple-to-use features to solve the most common problems in Game Development, such as rendering, animation, physics, sound, and effects. You’ll learn to use these features to create simple but complete games (and all the nuances needed to handle Unity).Complete with hands-on tutorials and projects, this book will teach you to use the Unity game engine, create C# and visual scripts, integrate graphics, sound, and animations, and manipulate physics to create interesting mechanics for your game. You’ll then code a simple AI agent to challenge the user and work with profiling tools to ensure code efficiency.Finally, you'll work with Unity's AR tools to create AR experiences for 3D apps and games before publishing them to the world.If you are interested in creating impressive, commercial-quality games that are playable on a variety of platforms, then you’ve come to the right place.What you will learnBuild a game prototype that includes gameplay, player and non-player characters, assets, animations, and moreSet up and navigate the game engine to dive into the Unity Editor and discover unique and new features released in 2022Learn both C# and Visual Scripting to customize player movements, user interface, and game physicsApply shaders to improve your game graphics using Shader Graph and Universal Render Pipeline (URP)Create win-lose conditions of the game by using design patterns such as Singleton and Event ListenersImplement Game AI to build a fully functional enemy capable of detecting and attacking the playerDebug, test, optimize, and create an executable version of the game to share it with your friendsWho this book is for Both game and non-game developers who wish to migrate or start building 3D games in Unity will find this book useful. While you'll still able to follow along if you don't have any programming experience, knowing the fundamentals of C# programming will help you get the most out of this book.Table of ContentsCreating a Unity ProjectEditing Scenes and GameObjectsGrayboxing with Terrain and ProBuilderImporting and Integrating Assets PackagesIntroduction to Unity Scripting with C# and Visual ScriptingMovement and Spawning with Input SystemPhysics Collisions and Health SystemWin and Lose ConditionImplementing Game AI for Building EnemiesMaterial and Effects with URP and Shader GraphVisual Effects with Particle Systems and Visual Effect GraphLighting Fundamentals with URPFull-Screen Effects with Post-Processing StackSounds and Music IntegrationUser Interface DesignCreating a UI with the UI ToolkitCreating Animations with Animator, Cinemachine, and TimelinesGenerating an Executable (former Building the Project)Optimization with Profiler, Frame Debugger and Memory ProfilerAR/VR Foundation Read more

Issue #23 of befores & afters magazine covers the special and visual effects of Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two, including the biggest sequences such as the opening eclipse encounter, spice harvester attack, sandworm riding and the battle on Arrakis. Featured are visual effects supervisor Paul Lambert, special effects supervisor Gerd Nefzer, second unit visual effects supervisor Patrick Heinen, from Wylie Co., and DNEG visual effects supervisors Stephen James and Rhys Salcombe. Read more

Master Procedural Generation with Unity and C#Are you ready to build dynamic, evolving game worlds that captivate players? Procedural World Building With Unity and C# is your step-by-step guide to mastering procedural generation techniques in Unity, no matter your coding experience. This book walks you through reading files to create procedural scenes, generating realistic terrains, designing city layouts with traffic systems, and crafting organic caves and mazes. By the end, you’ll be equipped to create unique and replayable environments that bring your game ideas to life.What You Will LearnAfter completing this book, you will be able to:Read Files and Generate Worlds from Data: Learn how to create game worlds by reading arrays, files, and XML, allowing for data-driven environments.Generate Procedural Terrain with Perlin Noise: Use noise functions, custom shaders, and meshes to create varied landscapes with hills, valleys, and unique terrain features.Design Procedural Cities with Traffic Systems: Develop structured city layouts with roads, buildings, and traffic systems that mimic real-life urban environments.Create Natural Cave Systems with Cellular Automata: Use cellular automata to generate organic cave formations for immersive exploration.Build Mazes Using Binary Tree Algorithms: Implement and understand the Binary Tree algorithm to design complex, navigable mazes.Optimize and Structure Code for Procedural Generation: Develop efficient code for smooth, real-time generation and optimize your project to handle complex procedural content.Master Procedural Generation for All LevelsBeginners in Game Development: Follow a clear, structured approach to learning procedural generation in Unity, designed for those without extensive coding backgrounds.Aspiring Game Designers: Discover techniques for creating immersive, ever-changing environments that enhance replayability.Hobbyists and Indie Developers: Apply practical procedural generation skills that will elevate your projects and help build your portfolio.Students and Educators: Use this book as a teaching tool or self-study guide, with structured lessons that delve into various procedural generation techniques.Anyone Interested in Procedural Generation: Bring your creative ideas to life, from landscapes to complex cities and intricate cave systems.Topics Included in This BookReading Files and Creating Scenes Procedurally: Learn to build game worlds from arrays, files, and XML data, enabling flexible, data-driven environments.Procedural Terrain Generation with Perlin Noise: Use noise functions, custom shaders, and mesh manipulation to create diverse landscapes.Procedural City Generation with Traffic Systems: Develop urban layouts with streets, buildings, and working traffic systems for a realistic city experience.Cellular Automata for Cave Creation: Create natural cave systems that mimic organic formations, adding depth to your game worlds.Procedural Maze Generation Using Binary Tree Algorithms: Design complex, player-navigable mazes for dungeons or puzzles.Combining Techniques for Complex Worlds: Learn to integrate these procedural elements to form seamless, immersive game environments.Optimization and Performance Tips: Make your procedurally generated worlds efficient and smooth for gameplay.Preparing Procedural Content for Gameplay: Publish and polish your worlds to be ready for use in Unity games.Unleash Your Procedural Generation Potential TodayBuy this book today and start your journey into procedural generation. Read more

Unleash the Full Power of Minecraft Commands!Are you ready to take your Minecraft skills to the next level? Minecraft Commands Mastery is the ultimate guide for players who want to go beyond basic gameplay and dive into the world of powerful commands, automation, and game scripting.Inside this book, you’ll learn how to:-Unlock the full potential of commands and command blocks- Create advanced automation systems and scripted adventures- Build custom minigames, boss battles, and interactive mechanics- Master the /execute command for dynamic in-game events- Use functions and scoreboards to craft complex systemsFrom simple tricks to expert-level techniques, this guide provides step-by-step tutorials and real-world examples to help you transform your worlds, whether you play solo or run multiplayer servers.Elevate your Minecraft experience and become a true command master today! Read more

Many Microsoft Word users and VBA programmers don't realize the extensive opportunities that exist when Word's Object Model is accessed using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), which replaced WordBasic in conjunction with the release of Word 97. By creating what is commonly called a "Word Macro" you can automate many features available in Word. Writing Word Macros (previously titled Learning Word Programming is the introduction to Word VBA that allows you to do these things and more, including: Create custom pop-up menusAutomatically create tables from listsAppend one document to the end (or beginning) of anotherCreate a toggle switch to change a document from draft to final copy by adding or removing a watermark in the headerGenerate reports using data from other applications Not intended to be an encyclopedia of Word programming, Writing Word Macros provides Word users, as well as programmers who are not familiar with the Word object model with a solid introduction to writing VBA macros and programs. In particular, the book focuses on: The Visual Basic Editor and the Word VBA programming environment. Word features a complete and very powerful integrated development environment for writing, running, testing, and debugging VBA macros.The VBA programming language (which is the same programming language used by Microsoft Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, as well as the retail editions of Visual Basic).The Word object model. Word exposes nearly all of its functionality through its object model, which allows Word to be controlled programmatically using VBA. While the Word object model, with almost 200 objects, is the largest among the Office applications, readers need be familiar with only a handful of objects. Writing Word Macros focuses on these essential objects, but includes a discussion of a great many more objects as well.Writing Word Macros is written in a terse, no-nonsense manner that is characteristic of Steven Roman's straightforward, practical approach. Instead of a slow-paced tutorial with a lot of hand-holding, Roman offers the essential information about Word VBA that you must master to program effectively. This tutorial is reinforced by interesting and useful examples that solve practical programming problems, like generating tables of a particular format, managing shortcut keys, creating fax cover sheets, and reformatting documents. Writing Word Macros is the book you need to dive into the basics of Word VBA programming, enabling you to increase your power and productivity when using Microsoft Word. Read more

Dive into the future of software development with this comprehensive guide to parallel programming and concurrency using .NET 9 and C# 13. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or new to asynchronous and multithreaded design, this book provides in-depth coverage of the frameworks, patterns, and best practices you need to build efficient, high-performance applications.Inside, you’ll explore:Core Concurrency Concepts: Grasp the fundamentals of threads, tasks, and async/await to manage multiple operations in real time.Advanced .NET 9 & C# 13 Features: Leverage the latest language enhancements, compiler optimizations, and runtime improvements for maximum speed and reliability.Essential Parallel Constructs: Master the Task Parallel Library (TPL), PLINQ, and data parallelism for scaling CPU-intensive workloads.Synchronization & Coordination: Understand locking, semaphores, reader-writer locks, barriers, and blocking collections to prevent race conditions and deadlocks.Concurrent Collections & Patterns: Delve into ConcurrentQueue, ConcurrentDictionary, BlockingCollection, and more to design safe, lock-free data pipelines.TPL Dataflow: Create dataflow pipelines that handle massive data throughput and real-time processing.Testing: Learn unit testing, load testing with specialized tools to ensure code correctness in non-deterministic environments.Performance Tuning: Optimize memory usage, thread scheduling, and GC settings, plus harness SIMD and lock-free techniques for true high-performance apps.Real-World Scenarios: Apply these principles to microservices, cloud computing, IoT, and enterprise-scale solutions.Complete with practical code examples, step-by-step demos, and expert tips, this book empowers you to write faster, more resilient, and highly scalable software. Transform your approach to .NET development and gain the skills to tackle the most demanding concurrent applications in today’s multi-core world. Read more

One thing that makes you truly stand out as a software engineer is a good knowledge of design patterns. Knowing them makes you quicker at solving problems. It makes you much better at understanding architecture. And it significantly improves your chances of landing a good job, as it makes you better at solving problems during technical interviews.However, the biggest problem with the design patterns is that they are hard to learn. Most of them are not very intuitive. Therefore getting to understand them at the level where you can use them usually takes a long time. Many developers just give up, which prevents them from unlocking their full potential.This book aims to solve this problem. It takes a very different approach from how design patterns are normally taught. It does it by providing sufficient context first. Instead of jumping into the UML diagrams and code samples, the book provides descriptions of real-life software engineering challenges that developers can easily relate to. For each of these scenarios, appropriate design patterns are listed with a summary of how each of them can solve a given problem. Only then, when sufficient context has been provided, we jump into the code examples.The process of effective learning is not about memorization. It's about adding new associations to the existing knowledge. And this is the approach this book has taken.Because of its structure, this book can also be effectively used as a reference source. It allows you to look up an appropriate design pattern as you are facing a problem of a particular type. Read more