Basics of C# Programming and Structure

Mar 9, 2025

Introduction to C#

Instructor: Venkat

Overview

  • This is Part 1 of the C# introduction module.
  • Focus will be on the basic structure of a C# program and the concept of namespaces, particularly the main method.

Setting Up Visual Studio

  1. Launch Visual Studio 2010.
  2. Create a new project:
    • Go to File > New Project.
    • Choose C# as the programming language.
    • Select Console Application type.
    • Name the project "Introduction to C#" and save it in the C Drive.

Basic C# Program Structure

  • Aim: Print a message to the console.
  • The console refers to the command prompt window, accessed by typing CMD in the run dialog.

Writing the Program

  • The program should consist of minimal code to achieve the desired output.
  • Remove unnecessary namespace declarations and parameters in the main method.
  • Use the Console class from the .NET Framework to display messages.
  • Key method: WriteLine() to print messages.
    • Example: Console.WriteLine("Welcome to C# training");
  • To run the program, press Ctrl + F5.

Understanding Namespaces

  • Namespace Declaration:
    • Introduces a namespace to use classes within it.
    • Example: using System;
  • A namespace is a collection of classes, interfaces, structures, enums, and delegates.
  • The purpose of namespaces: Organizing code.
  • Without the namespace declaration, you must use the fully qualified name for classes.
  • Example: Fully qualified name for the Console class is System.Console.

Important Concepts

Class

  • All C# code must reside within a class.
  • Discussed types of classes: static and instance classes.

Main Method

  • The main method serves as the entry point for program execution.
  • Only one main method can exist per application.
  • Example of main method syntax:
static void Main(string[] args)
  • If there are multiple methods named "main", only the correctly defined main method will run (the one without a suffix).

Execution Flow

  • Execution starts at the main method and ends when the program reaches the end of the method.
  • To call another method within the main method, it can be done directly, ensuring both messages are printed.

Summary

  • Key components of a simple C# program:
    • Namespace declaration.
    • Class definition.
    • Main method as the entry point of the application.
  • Importance of using namespaces for code organization.

Additional Resources

  • Check the website for more resources.
  • For interview questions, visit the provided link.

Full transcript