CHAPTER 2
Building C# Applications
As a C# programmer, you may choose among numerous tools to build .NET applications. The point of
this chapter is to provide a tour of various .NET development options, including, of course, Visual Studio
proper. The chapter opens, however, with an examination of working with the C# command-line
compiler, csc.exe, and the simplest of all text editors, the Notepad application that ships with the
Microsoft Windows OS, as well as the freely downloadable Notepad++.
While you could work through this entire text using nothing other than csc.exe and a basic
text editor, I’d bet you are also interested in working with feature-rich integrated development
environments (IDEs). To address this need, you will be introduced to a free, open source .NET IDE
named SharpDevelop. Then, after briefly examining the Visual C# Express IDE (which is also free), you
will be given a guided tour of the key features of Visual Studio Professional.
Note Over the course of this chapter, you will encounter some C# syntax we have not formally examined. If you
are unfamiliar with the syntax, don’t fret. Chapter 3 will formally begin your examination of the C# language.
The Role of the .NET Framework 4.5 SDK
One common misconception regarding .NET development is the belief that programmers must
purchase a copy of Visual Studio in order to build their C# applications. The truth of the matter is that
you are able to build any sort of .NET program using the freely downloadable .NET Framework 4.5
Software Development Kit (SDK).
This SDK provides you with numerous managed compilers, command-line utilities, sample code,
the .NET class libraries, and a complete documentation system. Now, be aware that if you are going to
be using Visual Studio proper or Visual C# Express, you have no need to manually download or install
the .NET Framework 4.5 SDK. When you install either of these products, the SDK is installed
automatically, thereby giving you everything you need out of the box. However, if you are not going to be
using a Microsoft IDE as you work through this text, be sure to install the SDK before proceeding.
Note The .NET Framework 4.5 SDK setup program (dotNetFx45_Full_x86_x64.exe) can be obtained from the
.NET download web site (http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframework).
39