The C# programming language is an object-oriented language created by Microsoft for the .NET Framework. C# (pronounced “see sharp”) builds on some of the best features of the major programming languages. It combines the power of C++ with the simplicity of Visual Basic and also borrows much from Java. This results in a language that is easy to learn and use, robust against errors, and enables rapid application development. All this is achieved without sacrificing much of the power or speed, when compared to C++.
In the years following its release in 2002, C# has grown to become one of the most popular programming languages. It is a general-purpose programming language, so it is useful for creating a wide range of programs. Everything from small utilities to computer games, desktop applications, or even operating systems can be built in C#. The language can also be used with ASP.NET to create web-based applications.
When developing in .NET, programmers are given a wide range of choices as to which programming language to use. Some of the more popular .NET languages include VB.NET, C++/CLI, F#, and C#. Among these, C# is often the language of choice. Like the other .NET languages, C# is initially compiled to an intermediate language. This language is called the Common Intermediate Language (CIL) and is run on the .NET Framework. A .NET program will therefore be able to execute on any system that has this framework installed.
