{"id":9801,"date":"2022-04-10T11:21:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-10T15:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/?p=9801"},"modified":"2022-04-10T11:21:22","modified_gmt":"2022-04-10T15:21:22","slug":"how-to-code-in-c-tools-platforms-and-getting-started","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.atyourbusiness.com\/blog\/how-to-code-in-c-tools-platforms-and-getting-started\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Code in C#: Tools, Platforms, and Getting Started"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

C# ranks as the fifth most popular programming language<\/a> and for good reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The object-orientated and type-safe syntax builds on Microsoft’s .NET framework. You can create Windows applications to mobile apps and games. Third-party libraries enable you to produce PDF files or read barcodes with a few lines of code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article introduces you to the C# coding language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to learn about C# tools and the .NET platform. And discover how to code in C# with a Hello World tutorial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

C# Coding Language<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

C#, pronounced C-Sharp, is the next evolution in the C and C++ languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microsoft released C# in 2002<\/a> to simplify modern programming yet retain low-level functionality. It was a viable alternative to Java, an industry leader in enterprise-level coding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, Microsoft has refined C# to make it even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Implementing third-party libraries removes the hard work of programming complex tasks yourself. Simply install the package, include the library, then call the methods to produce amazing results like QR code creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C# Versus C++<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

C# traces its roots back to C, a powerful language that works on any platform. C++ added elements of object-orientated programming to C to help design larger apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These ‘middle programming languages’ work with low-level machine code. Although powerful, they aren’t easy to manage or port to the modern workplace. That’s where C# excels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike C or C++, C# manages memory pointers on your behalf. C++ relies on functions while C# builds on design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C# also enhances cloud computing like Azure so you can create apps that run in any environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C Sharp Coding Tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Visual Studio<\/a> is Microsoft’s IDE of choice to create C# software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With intelligent code completions and fast refactoring, VS 2022 works perfectly with C# and .NET. You can also share code in real-time and commit to version control systems like Git.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the free Visual Studio Community (VSC) software to discover how C# works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Started with Code in C#<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Install VSC then install the latest version of .NET. Create a new project and choose Console App (.NET Core). Give it the name FirstTest and save the project to your computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type the code below and press F5 on your keyboard to run it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

using System;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

namespace FirstTest{<\/p>\n\n\n\n

class Program {<\/p>\n\n\n\n

static void Main(string[] args) {<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Console.WriteLine(“Hello World”);<\/p>\n\n\n\n

}<\/p>\n\n\n\n

}<\/p>\n\n\n\n

}<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The code will compile and display the words ‘Hello World’ on the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well done! You have created your first C# program. But what about adding third-party libraries?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third-Party Libraries in C#<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The beauty of C# is its ability to make your programming life easier. For example, C# read barcode from image<\/a> implementations are a doddle if you use the right library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use the NuGet package manager to install the library. Then read the documentation to add it to your own application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most libraries follow the pattern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n