An Introduction to C#

What is C#?

C# is an object oriented programming language developed by Microsoft. The C# language is designed to be platform independent, and borrows its syntax heavily from both Java and C++ (so any experience of those languages will help those starting out). The name comes from the musical notation, and indicates a progression or incremental version of C++.

The language is part of the wider Microsoft .NET Framework. The .NET framework is a set of libraries and standards that can be used across a variety of languages (including C#). The framework offers support for a number of user interface, data access and web application libraries and is the primary means of creating modern Windows applications.

Why use C#?

C# has become the goto language for Windows application developers for a number of reasons. Firstly it is heavily promoted in this way by Microsoft, and they offer a strong suite of tools to support it – Visual Studio being the most obvious example.

C# is also a popular language for projects involving the .NET Framework. The .NET Framework is included in most Windows operating platforms and has been adopted as somewhat of a standard for applications on the platforms too.

The .NET framework has been implemented on other platforms (such as Linux), by the Mono Project, so those wanting to develop away from Windows have option to do so. Xamarin also offer a number of products that allow developers to create mobile applications in C#. Microsoft recently unveiled news of a new open source compiler for .NET called Roslyn with which they are plotting the future of both Visual Basic and C#.

Performance wise, the language was never designed to challenge other languages like C or C++, running as it does on top of a ‘Just In Time’ (JIT) compiler (Languages like C++ are compiled for specific platforms). Its design goals are centred more around sound object oriented principles, and providing resilience and relatively easy debugging. That said for hardware independent projects, it is a more than capable modern language. Rosyln is part of a wider project by Microsoft to open source a lot of its development technologies, which many expect will help improve both compatibility and performance in the future.

Best starting tool to use

Visual Studio is the obvious tool for anyone wanting to get serious about C# development. As well as offering the features you would expect (syntax highlight, intelligence, integration with other Microsoft tools and technologies) it is also extremely well supported by the wider development community.

There are however many additional tools out there for you to explore along your journey of learning this excellent programming language!

Do you already have experience in working with C#? Check out our latest job vacancy on our website by following this link. It may be just right for you!

– Infragistics