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Jennifer Marsh Jennifer Marsh is a software developer and technical writer. She’s worked with C# since its introduction. Using her expertise in coding, she’s written technical content for IBM, Rackspace, Adobe, and Udemy and continues to write articles that help people understand the life of a coder.

C# (pronounced C Sharp) is a powerful language that offers solutions to several small and large business development needs. Some would argue that it’s one of the most valuable programming languages to learn. According to the PYPL Popularity of Programming Language Index, which identifies how often a tutorial for a particular coding language is searched on Google, the interest in C# continues to grow. Additionally, compared to other coding languages, it’s relatively simple and easy to learn, making it a top choice for aspiring and even senior developers. But where does one start when he or she wants to learn this language? With so many options now available, it can be overwhelming.

In this guide, aspiring C# programmers will find the answer to that question and more. Provided are resources on how and where to learn C# as well as an overview of various learning options, from coding games to college degrees. Whether you’re new to the game or a longtime developer, this guide covers the essentials of the C# coding language.

Understanding C#, Visual C#, and.NET Students might hear developers use the terms.NET and C# interchangeably. However,.NET is the framework for both C# and VB.NET, whereas C# is the language. When a developer starts an application, he or she can choose the language but will always use the.NET framework’s libraries throughout the code. One of the most difficult parts of learning the C# language is the.NET framework libraries — they’re large and there are hundreds of methods and resources within the platform. Another common mix up is C# and Visual C#.

While these two are similar in some ways, they do have different implementations. C# refers to the language for developing within Visual Studio. Visual C#, on the other hand, refers to the development interface provided by Microsoft. Visual C# is the IDE used in Microsoft’s Visual Studio software, which is the foundation for developers to create their applications. It offers numerous tools to build web-based and desktop applications.

It includes a debugger, the development IDE, integration with a database (usually Microsoft’s SQL Server), and a testing platform. Students can download Visual Studio Express for free from Microsoft’s website.

As a matter of fact, students need the software before they can get started with C# development, so it’s recommended that students download and install it before they begin the learning process. Uses and Benefits of C# Each language in the coding world has its own benefits and pitfalls. C# is a versatile language, so students can dive into almost any type of application environment without too many limitations. One limitation, however, is that.NET is a Microsoft framework so students should want to work with Windows platforms if it’s the language they learn. This means Windows desktops, servers, and cloud environments are needed for their applications. The most common use for C# is cloud applications.

The cloud is overtaking desktop environments because of its reliability, security, stability, and scalability. As a result, understanding C# in the cloud is a must for most coders and is often a recommended starting point for new developers. There are two types of cloud applications — apps for end users and apps for other developers. Cloud applications for end users are similar to desktop software, except the client uses a web browser to work with the application. Cloud applications are similar to building websites, except instead of building something such as an ecommerce or content site, the programmer builds tools for customers. Windows-based companies use C# developers to build internal cloud applications. These applications usually tie in with a public-facing application, so students need to understand the business as well as the customer base.