Why C#?
Many people often ask me why I chose C# instead of many other languages. It’s now almost 18 years I am working on .Net platform and that to using C#. Here I will try to explain why.
C# emerged as a strongly typed language that combined the robustness of C++ with the simplicity of Visual Basic. It was a Microsoft answer to Java, but better shaped, and it was developed increasingly to adapt to modern times. It is evolved like anything; every new version of C# is amaze me.
Features of C#
Below are some features which are frequently used.
- Object-Orientation: Encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism form the cornerstones of C#'s object-oriented foundation. Classes, interfaces, and abstract classes create a well-defined way of reusable and maintainable code.
- Lambda Expressions: These anonymous functions add a touch of functional programming charm, streamlining code with less ceremony.
- LINQ: (Language Integrated Query): Master the art of data manipulation with LINQ. This robust set of extensions brings the expressiveness of query languages directly into your C# code, letting you dance with data with ease.
- Generics: Allows creating types that work with different data types without compromising type safety.
- Asynchronous Awaits: Navigate the complexities of asynchronous programming with grace. C# 11's top-level statements and static local functions refine the flow, ensuring your code stays straightforward and performant.
And also, some less used features.
- Local Functions: Improve code organization and readability within more extensive methods.
- Expression-bodied Members: Allow defining member bodies using concise lambda expressions.
- Null-Conditional Operators: Simplify checks for null before accessing members or elements.
- Tuples: For Returning Multiple Values: Simplify methods that need to return multiple values.
- Pattern Matching: Offer a concise syntax for type checks and casts.
What else I like in the C#/.NET?
- Cross-Platform development: With the introduction of .NET Core, C# expanded beyond Windows, embracing Linux and macOS.
- Integration with Microsoft Technologies: If you're working in or with the Microsoft technology stack, C# is a natural choice. It seamlessly integrates with technologies such as Visual Studio IDE, Azure cloud services, SQL Server, and Windows operating systems, facilitating a cohesive development environment.
- Versatility: C# is a versatile language that can be used for developing a wide range of applications, including desktop applications, web applications, mobile applications (using Xamarin), cloud-based applications, games (using Unity), and more. This versatility makes it a go-to language for many developers.
- Great Documentation: Microsoft offers comprehensive, up-to-date documentation for all critical features
- Strong Typing: C# is a statically-typed language, which means that variables must be declared with their data types before use. This can help catch errors at compile-time, reducing the likelihood of runtime errors.
- Security: C# includes features that promote code safety and security. For example, it includes automatic memory management through garbage collection, which helps prevent memory leaks and buffer overflows.
- Community and corporate support: Backed by Microsoft and a vibrant open-source community, C# stays cutting-edge with regular updates and a wealth of libraries. There is even open communication and discussion between the language design team and the community.
- Rich Standard Library: C# comes with a robust standard library that provides a wide range of functionalities, reducing the need for developers to write code from scratch for common tasks. This makes development more efficient and speeds up the coding process.