Making good use of the GitHub repository for this book

Git is a commonly used source code management system. GitHub is a company, website, and desktop application that makes it easier to manage Git. Microsoft purchased GitHub in 2018, so it will continue to be closely integrated with Microsoft tools.

I created a GitHub repository for this book, and I use it for the following:

• To store the solution code for the book, which will be maintained after the print publication date
• To provide extra materials that extend the book, like errata fixes, small improvements, lists of useful links, and longer articles that cannot fit in the printed book
• To provide a place for readers to get in touch with me if they have issues with the book

Raising issues with the book

If you get stuck following any of the instructions in this book, or if you spot a mistake in the text or the code in the solutions, please raise an issue in the GitHub repository:

1. Use your favorite browser to navigate to the following link: https://github.com/markjprice/tools-skills-net8/issues.
2. Click New Issue.
3. Enter as much detail as possible that will help me to diagnose the issue. For example:
   • The specific section title, page number, and step number
   • Your code editor, for example, Visual Studio, Code, Rider, or something else, including the version number
   • As much of your code and configuration that you feel is relevant and necessary
   • A description of the expected behavior and the behavior experienced
   • Screenshots (you can drag and drop image files into the issue box)

The following is less relevant but might be useful:

• Your operating system, for example, Windows 11 64-bit, or macOS Big Sur version 11.2.3
• Your hardware, for example, Intel, Apple Silicon, or ARM CPU

I want all my readers to be successful with my book, so if I can help you (and others) without too much trouble, then I will gladly do so.

Giving me feedback

If you’d like to give me more general feedback about the book, then you can email me at [email protected]. My publisher, Packt, has set up Discord channels for readers to interact with authors and other readers. You are welcome to join us at the following link: https://packt.link/TS1e.

I love to hear from my readers about what they like about my books, as well as suggestions for improvements and how they are working with C# and .NET, so don’t be shy. Please get in touch!

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful and constructive feedback.

Downloading solution code from the GitHub repository

I use GitHub to store solutions to all the hands-on, step-by-step coding tasks throughout chapters and the practical exercises that are featured at the end of each chapter. You will find the repository at the following link: https://github.com/markjprice/tools-skills-net8.

If you just want to download all the solution files without using Git, click the green Code button and then select Download ZIP.

I recommend that you add the preceding link to your favorites or bookmarks.

Good Practice

It is best to clone or download the code solutions to a short folder path, like C:\tools-skills-net8\ or C:\book\, to avoid build-generated files exceeding the maximum path length. You should also avoid special characters like #. For example, do not use a folder name like C:\C# projects\. That folder name might work for a simple console app project but once you start adding features that automatically generate code, you are likely to have strange issues. Keep your folder names short and simple.