How do you learn a programming language by yourself? pls help?

ive done programming back in college, but have forgotten it all. I was in tech support but now my boss has moved me into software development using asp.net and c sharp.
I was ok with it at first cos i thought they were going to train me and help me, but ive just been left alone and told to read books etc..
whats the best and fastest way to learn?
thanks

There are always free e-books availalbe for all languages. The best way to learn is "To learn what is needed for your work instead of learning everything". I will suggest this sequence.
1) Syntax of the language, how to use the IDE (integrated development environment)
2) Basic data types and how to convert between data types.
3) Object oriented features and how it is achieved in your programming language.
3) Keywords for designing the basic logics. Sequencial flow, Branching (i.e. If.. Else type), Looping (for and while loops)
4) Exception Handling keywords.
5) The last step is to learn various controls required in your project. No project will use all controls available in the language framework. You can explore controls one by one as and when you need them.

So my suggestion is not to read any book in a serial manner. That will consume lot of time and you will forget lot of things unless you use them. That is why try to learn what is needed for you in your day to day work.

Sounds like you're a square peg that's been put in a round hole. Your boss should be ashamed, that's terrible management!

Anyway... When I need to learn a new programming language, I always buy a book or two and study them. Then I start writing programs and debugging them. Within a few weeks I find I'm reasonably competent. But it takes a couple of years to become really fluent.

You can start learning C++ with these video tutorials:
http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/console/index.p...

They are perfect for beginners. This one can get you started by showing you how to install a free compiler:
http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/console/Lesson0...

Here are some simple games with code downloads that you can use to get some ideas:
http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/console/Lesson9...
http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/console/Lesson2...
http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/console/Lesson2...

These tutorials can get you started with graphics programming in OpenGL:
http://xoax.net/comp/cpp/opengl/index.ph...

You can go through the tutorials and if you have questions on them or anything else in C++, please post to me here:
http://xoax.net/forum/

Best of luck!

Download microsoft's Visual Studio Express 2008 - which covers C# and ASP.NET

Seriously, if you're still stuggling after six months, quit your job and go do something that you have a natural aptitude for.

please visit the lynda.com. This provides you a lot of course in CD/DVD format. Then you can learn at home from them.

http://www.zaffooauctionware.co.uk

I'd say go on Amazon.co.uk and buy a book.
Although if you remember some of the programming that you could use reference guide from microsoft.

Check out books on Amazon.com. I got Learn C++ in 23 days. Of course I'm not going to be building the next MS Windows but it's a start.

YOUTUBE
enter programming into the search and watch

try www.w3cschool.com