C# - A language for .Net

The C# language was designed by Microsoft (tm) for its new .NET platform.
It is a descendant of C++ with features coming from Java and various other languages.
C# will not be the sole language used on .Net, many other languages are implemented also and they will work concurrently on the platform and share objects, this include C++, Pascal, Python, Java, and lot of other with even Cobol and Fortran. All these languages will be embedded also inside HTML pages as ASP.

Features

C# compiles into intermediate language, the MSIL (MicroSoft Intermediate Language), and uses a multi-language library, the CLR (Common Language Runtime).

•  Structs of C++ are special objects passed by value.
•  A property allows to use methods as variables.
•  The foreach() construct allows to scan arrays.
•  Delegate replaces pointers on functions used by C.
•  Operators overloading exists but for the "=" one.
•  Fully object oriented, even primitive and constants are object.
•  Indexers are invisible methods to access arrays with security.
•  The language may access the native environment, unlike Java.
•  The -> operator of C++ is replaced by a dot.

Why to use C Sharp?

C# is easier to use than C++. But programs require the CLR runtime of .net to be installed. You can convert you C++ code with no difficulty. It will be cross-platform. You can mix languages on the .net platform and use C# along with any language.
Not usable to distribute software for now.

Sites and tools

• Official site for .NET and C#.
• Mono
  .NET compatible platform including a C# compiler.
• Compiler
  A CSharp compiler is provided freely by Microsoft, as a part of Visual Studio Express.
• Visual C# Express
  It is a true RAD (Rapid Application Development) by Microsoft. Windows or console applications or libraries.
• Silverlight
  Using XAML on the Web.
• Turbo C#
  RAD tool, with visual interface and predefined widgets, free even for commercial software building. Makes use of the Microsoft compiler.
• XNA
  Game development tool based on C#.

Sample code

 string s = "demo" + "trail";
         
 foreach (char c in s)
 { 
     System.Console.WriteLine(c); 
 }