Getting Started with Visual C#

What is C#?

C# (pronounced C sharp) is a programming language designed for building a wide range of enterprise applications that run on the .NET Framework. An evolution of Microsoft C and Microsoft C++, C# is simple, modern, type safe, and object oriented. C# code is compiled as managed code, which means it benefits from the services of the common language runtime. These services include language interoperability, garbage collection, enhanced security, and improved versioning support.

What are the .NET Framework and Visual Studio?

Developers sometimes wonder what the .NET Framework and Visual Studio are and how they relate to Visual C#.

The .NET Framework is a development and execution environment that allows different programming languages and libraries to work together seamlessly to create Windows, Web, Mobile, or Office applications that are easier to build, manage, deploy, and integrate with other networked systems or as stand alone applications.
The .NET Framework consists of:

• The Common Language Runtime (CLR)
  A language-neutral development and execution environment that provides services to help "manage" application execution
• The Framework Class Libraries (FCL)
  A consistent, object-oriented library of prepackaged functionality

Visual Studio is the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that developers work inside when creating programs in one of many languages, including Visual C#, for the .NET Framework.

How Do I Get Visual C# and What Software Do I Need?

Before you can get started writing any code at all, you are going to need some software. Generally speaking you need two things:

• The Visual C# compiler to turn your programs into running applications. This is available as part of the .NET Framework SDK (a free download)
• Some form of editor or IDE (Integrated Development Environment) in which to write your code.

Depending on your preferences there are a various tools you can use to get started. Here are two of the most common options.

Visual Studio 2008

Visual Studio 2008, the most productive development enviroment to build Visual C# solutions for Windows, Web, Mobile or Office applications.

You can get more information about Visual Studio 2008 here.

Want to try out Visual Studio 2008 without installing anything? If so, check out the virtual labs.

Visual C# Express 2008

Visual C# 2008 Express Edition is a no-cost, streamlined, easy-to-use development tool for hobbyists, students, and novices. The Express Edition makes Windows programming with Visual C# fun and easy to learn.

You can get more information about Visual C# Express here.

How do I Learn More About C#?

To start programming in C# select from the following options.

Are you...

• New to C#?
• Migrating from Java to C#?

For more information on C# programming you can download C# code samples or visit the Express edition C# page.

Find out who's who and what's going on in the C# community by checking out the blogs, newsgroups, related sites and featured MVPs.

Learning Plans

Learning Plans for Visual Studio developers provide a roadmap of recommended resources to help you achieve a specific learning goal. You can easily find, select, customize, and save the resources that fit your needs and preferences.