What Is C#?

C# Tutorials - Herong's Tutorial Examples

∟What Is C#?

This section describes what is a C# (C Sharp) - A modern, object-oriented language that enables programmers to quickly build a wide range of applications for the new Microsoft .NET platform.

What Is C♯? Based on Microsoft, "C♯ is a modern, object-oriented language that enables programmers to quickly build a wide range of applications for the new Microsoft .NET platform, which provides tools and services that fully exploit both computing and communications."

C♯ should be pronounced as "C Sharp", because "♯" is the music sharp sign, which is used to indicate a semitone higher pitch. Because the sharp sign ♯ is difficult to enter and display, C♯ is commonly written as C#.

C# was originally developed by Anders Hejlsberg in 1999 at Microsoft. It was later approved as standard language by ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization).

Versions, release dates and key features of C#:

C# 6.0 - Released in July 2015 - Null-Conditional Operator, Nameof Expressions, Primary Constructors, Expression Bodied Functions and Properties
C# 5.0 - Released in August 2012 - Async Feature, Caller Information
C# 4.0 - Released in April 2010 - Late Binging, Named Arguments, Optional Parameters
C# 3.0 - Released in August 2007 - Lambda Expressions, Extension Methods, Expression Tree, Anonymous Types, LINQ, Implicit Typing
C# 2.0 - Released in September 2005 - Generics, Anonymous Methods, Nullable Types
C# 1.0 - Released in January 2002 - Managed Code