C# Station

How Does a C# Application Run?

An important point is that C# is a “managed” language, meaning that it requires the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR) to execute. Essentially, as an application that is written in C# executes, the CLR is managing memory, performing garbage collection, handling exceptions, and providing many more services that you, as a developer, don’t have to write code for.

Does C# Have a Runtime Library?

Instead of a runtime library (such as APIs for file I/O, string handling, etc.) being dedicated to a single language, .NET ships with a .NET Framework Class Library (FCL), which includes literally tens of thousands of reusable objects. Since all .NET languages target the CLR with the same IL, all languages can use the FCL.

What can I do with C#?

C# is only a programming language. However, because C# targets the CLR and has access to the entire FCL, there’s a lot you can do. To get an idea of the possibilities, open the FCL and look at the available technologies.

How Do I Get Started?

By visiting this page and reading this far, you’ve already begun. You can continue your journey with the Free C# Tutorial right here at C# Station. The C# Tutorial was created to help beginning developers and other professionals who need a quick on-ramp to the language.