C# is a modern, general-purpose, object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft as part of its .NET initiative. It’s widely used to build web, desktop, and mobile applications, as well as games and more[4].
For absolute beginners, starting with an interactive tutorial is highly recommended. Microsoft offers a sequence of lessons that introduce C# concepts like syntax, data types (strings, numbers, booleans), and control structures. These tutorials are interactive and allow you to write and run C# code in your browser without needing an installation. Each lesson builds on the previous one, so it’s best to complete them in order. If you have prior programming experience, you can skip ahead to new concepts[1].
Typical beginner tutorials will cover:
- The difference between C# and .NET
- Core concepts like assemblies, namespaces, and the CLR (Common Language Runtime)
- Primitive and non-primitive types
- How to write and debug simple C# programs
- Fundamental programming constructs such as variables, constants, control flow (if statements, loops), and data types
- The concept of case sensitivity in identifiers
- Basics of declaring and initializing variables and constants
- How to organize your code using namespaces and classes
Many learning platforms also include quizzes and coding exercises to reinforce your understanding as you progress[2].
A simple Hello World program in C# looks like this:
using System;
namespace HelloWorld
{
class Program
{
static void Main(string[] args)
{
Console.WriteLine("Hello World!");
}
}
}
To get the most from learning C#, you should both read explanations and practice writing code. Platforms like W3Schools and Codecademy provide editors to try out code and exercises that let you practice concepts interactively[5][3]. GeeksforGeeks and Simplilearn also offer step-by-step explanations, from basic syntax to advanced concepts like object-oriented programming and LINQ[6][4].
For a more hands-on and project-based approach, look for tutorials with beginner projects, such as building a console application or solving practice problems. This will help bridge the gap between basic syntax and real-world applications[3].