An overview of the C # programming language

Introduction

C# (pronounced “C-sharp”) is an object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft as part of the .NET platform. It combines syntax similar to C++ and Java with deep integration into the Windows ecosystem.

Briefly about C#:

• Language type: statically typed, object-oriented, multi-paradigm.
• Runtime: .NET.
• Garbage collection: automatic.
• Strengths: Easy to develop on Windows, server applications, and Unity applications.

Syntax

In C#, everything is built around classes and objects. Code is structured like real-world objects: with properties (characteristics) and methods (actions). Let’s explore the main components of the language.

Classes and methods – templates and actions

For example, we need a movie template: it has a “title” (Title) and an “18+” flag (IsAdult).

We create a class (a template by which objects are created – films):

class Movie
{
    public string Title;
    public bool IsAdult;
}

We write the class User(here the method CanWatchchecks whether a specific user can NameWatch a specific movie Title):

class User
{
    public string Name;
    public int Age;

    public bool CanWatch(Movie movie)
    {
        return !movie.IsAdult || Age >= 18;
    }
}

Variables and Data Types: Data Name and Format

Now we need to declare variables for the username, age, and activity flag:

var user = new User { Name = "Артем", Age = 17 };

var movies = new List<Movie>
{
    new Movie { Title = "Сказка", IsAdult = false },
    new Movie { Title = "Триллер 18+", IsAdult = true }
};

foreach (var movie in movies)
{
    if (user.CanWatch(movie))
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"{user.Name} может смотреть: {movie.Title}");
    }
    else
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"{user.Name} не может смотреть: {movie.Title}");
    }
}

To illustrate, let’s look at an example. You log into an online cinema, and you see a movie card:

• Title: “Thriller”.
• Age rating: 18+.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Genre: thriller.

When you click on a movie, the program will scan the user’s profile:

• Name: Artem.
• Age: 17.

The program will then run the method: “Can Artem watch this movie?” The method will perform a simple check:

• If the age is greater than or equal to 18, access is open.
• If not, access is denied.

And will return with an answer.

How to Choose a C# Framework: A Simple Cheat Sheet

In the online movie theater example above, a combination of ASP.NET Core and Razor Pages or MVC would be ideal. This architecture is suitable for writing a full-fledged web application where the user would enter their age, and the system would check access and show only the movies they are allowed to view.

This short cheat sheet will help you navigate popular C# frameworks and understand which one is best for a specific task.

When is it worth learning C#, and when is it better to choose another language?

If you suddenly feel like C# isn’t for you, don’t jump to conclusions. Sometimes you just need to start with another language.

That’s what Dasha, a student at our school, did. At university, she encountered constructs like [ #include], strict rules and strange syntax. She didn’t understand anything and decided she simply wasn’t capable of programming. She lived with it for seven years without any problems.

Then she decided to come back—on her own terms. She chose Python, and suddenly things started working out. It became interesting. She found a goal, and her first projects appeared. Now she writes backends and shares her story to support others. 

Learn C# easily and for free

Try our free C# course !

What can’t (or is almost impossible) to do in C#

C# is used to write web applications, games, mobile apps, desktop programs, and much more. However, some solutions are difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to implement in C#. Here’s a list of things that aren’t very convenient or can’t be implemented directly in C#—so you understand the limitations of the programming language and know which tasks it’s definitely not suited for.

1. Browser frontend (HTML/CSS/JS)

You can’t write a website interface in C# like you can in JavaScript.

Exception: Blazor (but still based on WebAssembly and JavaScript).

2. Systems/low-level programming

You can’t write drivers, firmware, or interact with hardware or the kernel in C#. C, C++, and Rust are for that.

3. One-line scripts and quick automation

C# isn’t suitable if you need to rename 1,000 files, parse a website, or process text. For this, Python or bash is better—they’ll do it faster. Because in C#, you first need to create a project, compile it, build it, and so on.

Example: you need to quickly rename 200 files in a folder or parse prices from a website.

In Python, it’s one line:

import os; [os.rename(f, f"new_{f}") for f in os.listdir()]

And in C# you need:

• Create a project in Visual Studio or via CLI.
• Connect System.IO.
• Write Main().
• Assemble the project.
• Run it.

4. Applications for old or non-standard platforms

C# is not designed for programming microcontrollers, Arduino, STM32, and similar devices. C/C++ or specialized languages, such as Verilog/VHDL or Matlab, will do the trick.

5. Ultra-lightweight projects without dependencies

C# is not the best choice if you just need to write a script in one file without building. The language is tailored to architecture, classes, and rigor.

6. Fine-grained memory management

C# has a garbage collector (a built-in mechanism that automatically removes everything no longer in use from memory). However, you don’t control this process directly. Garbage collection can kick in at inopportune times (for example, when everything freezes). Therefore, if you need to manage memory manually, C++ is a better choice.

Checklist: Where to Start Learning C#

Below is a simple checklist on where to start learning C# and how to structure the process if you’re a beginner.

1. Install the working environment:

• Download .NET SDK.
• Install Visual Studio (recommended) or Visual Studio Code.
• Select the Console Application template and create your first project.

1. Master the basic syntax:

• Variables: int, string, bool, var.
• Input/output: Console.ReadLine(), Console.WriteLine().
• Conditions: if, else.
• Cycles: for, while, foreach.
• Methods: create, call, parameters, return.

1. Practice with mini-programs:

• Greeting by name.
• Age verification.
• Calculator.
• Cycle with output of numbers.
• The simplest menu with a choice.

1. Understand how code structure works:

• Classes and objects.
• Properties and fields.
• Access modifiers ( public, private).
• OOP Basics: Inheritance, Encapsulation, Interfaces.

1. Explore the ecosystem:

• What is .NET?
• What is the difference between ASP.NET, WPF, WinForms, and Blazor?
• How to choose a framework for your task.

1. Practice regularly:

• Write code every day for at least 15-30 minutes.
• Solve problems on Exercism and Codewars.
• Come up with your own mini-project.

1. Use good sources:

• Microsoft Learn – for basic theory and practice.
• YouTube – to see how others write code.
• .NET documentation – so you don’t have to be afraid to read the help.

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