Learn C# with selected lessons from Microsoft Learn, then put each lesson into practice. Start with the first three videos if you are new to the language. The runtime and Godot sessions are for readers ready to explore deployment or game development.
These are third-party recordings, credited to their presenters and original publisher. Each player has an original-source link as a fallback. English captions are available from the publisher. Selection checked on 4 October 2026 against the official descriptions and the caption sections described below.
Embedded players are provided by YouTube. See Google’s privacy policy; use the original-source link if a player is unavailable or requests sign-in.
Choose a C# learning path or open the written setup lesson alongside the videos.
Start here: what C# is used for
Scott Hanselman and David Fowler introduce C# and the kinds of applications it can help you build. Use this short orientation before setting up your first project.
Publisher: Microsoft Learn — Scott Hanselman and David Fowler. Published: 2023-11-10. Length: 1:42.
Watch What is C#? (Part 1 of 19) on Microsoft Learn
Before following along: Recorded in 2023. Platform support belongs to the chosen framework or engine; the language alone does not make every application deployable everywhere.
Try it: Choose one small project: a command-line quiz, a reading-list tracker, or a paddle game. Write down its inputs and the result you want to display.
Create and run your first console application
Follow the edit, build and run cycle with the .NET command line and Visual Studio Code. The episode introduces the project file, Program.cs and the output directory.
Publisher: Microsoft Learn — Scott Hanselman and David Fowler. Published: 2023-11-10. Length: 6:02.
Watch Hello World! (Part 2 of 19) on Microsoft Learn
Before following along: The recording uses Windows and an older editor interface. The project-based dotnet commands remain useful; install a currently supported SDK and follow our current setup lesson if the debugger menus differ.
Try it: Run dotnet new console -n VideoPractice, then dotnet run --project VideoPractice. Change the greeting in Program.cs, save, and run again. The output should reflect your edit.
Practice strings alongside the documentation
See how the presenters move between documentation and a local C# project, then change a small string example and run it again.
Publisher: Microsoft Learn — Scott Hanselman and David Fowler. Published: 2023-11-10. Length: 5:19.
Watch Hello World, Introducing Strings! (Part 4 of 19) on Microsoft Learn
Before following along: This 2023 episode shows a browser tutorial interface that may have changed. Use the local project from the preceding lesson if that interface is unavailable.
Try it: Create two string variables for the names of your game players. Print both names in one interpolated string, change one name, and confirm the output changes.
Understand the trade-offs of Native AOT
Eric Erhardt and Scott Hanselman discuss deployment options, compilation constraints, trimming and library compatibility. Start with the options discussion at 04:17, restrictions at 06:46, and the trade-off discussion at 37:28.
Publisher: Microsoft Learn — On .NET. Published: 2024-10-04. Length: 89:42.
Watch Deep .NET – Ahead of Time Compilation (Native AOT) with Eric Erhardt on Microsoft Learn
Before following along: Treat the demonstrated package versions and performance numbers as historical examples. Native AOT is not a universal speed upgrade. Test your own startup time, memory, throughput and compatibility, and resolve trimming and AOT warnings.
Try it: Read our runtime guide, publish its small example, and compare the deployment requirements with a framework-dependent build. Record your OS, architecture, SDK, build flags and workload before making a performance claim.
Build a paddle-game prototype with Godot and C#
Michael Hawker introduces Godot scenes and nodes, sets up a C# project, and builds a paddle-and-ball prototype. Jump to setup at 04:05 or scene construction at 12:00.
Publisher: Microsoft Learn — .NET Conf 2023. Published: 2023-12-07. Length: 28:49.
Watch Games in Godot! Let's make a classic paddle game with C#! on Microsoft Learn
Before following along: Recorded for .NET Conf 2023. The custom template and editor steps are version-specific. Use the Godot .NET edition and current C# requirements; the demonstrated prototype is not a complete scored game. Check export support before choosing your target platform.
Try it: After building the prototype, add a score display and a reset after a missed ball. Test both paddles, repeated collisions and a restart. Use the current game-engine guide to check platform constraints.
Keep learning
- Read and validate numerical input before adding input to your console project.
- Store and update a list of values for a score table or reading list.
- Compare C# game engines before committing to a platform.
How this collection is maintained
We selected official publisher-hosted videos with English captions and useful companion exercises. The three beginner transcripts were reviewed in full; the Native AOT and Godot selections were reviewed through their relevant caption sections and official chapter lists, rather than a complete audiovisual viewing. Recordings can contain older APIs or interfaces, so use the version notes above and the linked written guides. Player availability can vary by browser or network; the source links remain the fallback.