C# (pronounced “C sharp”) is a modern, object-oriented programming language developed by Microsoft as part of .NET. Designed by Anders Hejlsberg, it combines the power of C++ with the productivity of modern languages.
Origins
Microsoft developed C# as part of its .NET initiative, announced in 2000. Hejlsberg, who had created Turbo Pascal and Delphi at Borland, led the language design. C# was influenced by C++, Java, and Delphi.
Key Features
C# introduced and popularized many features:
- Language Integrated Query (LINQ): Query syntax built into the language
- Async/await: Clean asynchronous programming
- Properties: First-class getter/setter syntax
- Generics: Type-safe generic programming
- Nullable types: Explicit handling of null values
Evolution
C# has evolved rapidly:
- C# 2.0: Generics, anonymous methods
- C# 3.0: LINQ, lambda expressions
- C# 5.0: Async/await pattern
- C# 7-11: Pattern matching, records, improved performance
Impact
C# powers diverse applications:
- Windows development: Native platform for Windows apps
- Unity: Dominant game development engine uses C#
- Web: ASP.NET for server-side development
- Cross-platform: .NET Core brought C# beyond Windows