What Is C# Used For? Guide For Programming Language

What Is C# Used For? What's Great About It

C# (pronounced C-sharp) is a programming language that was invented by Microsoft in 2000 to build apps on their .NET platforms. Even though C# hasn't been around that long, it has already earned the honor of being named the programming language of the year. C# continues to be a natural choice because of its versatility and ability to serve both smaller companies and global corporations.

Take a look at some of these important items that can be created by the utilization of C#:

Game Development

Microsoft's XNA framework makes it possible to use C# to develop games—particularly games for Xbox. C# is often used to create and develop video games with Unity. That means that literally thousands of games were scripted by using this popular programming language. Some of these games include the popular "RimWorld." What is C# used for? It's used to create incredibly popular games and is one of the chief video gaming programming languages!

Not Just for Microsoft Applications

What is C# used for? It is used for much more than Microsoft. Although C# is commonly used for the computer giant, the language itself is found at an industry level. In this arena, it has several useful and practical applications.

An Excellent Foundation That's Easy To Learn

C# is very much like other C programming languages such as C, C++ and Java. If you're well-versed with these programs, then it should not be difficult for you to gain a thorough understanding of C#. Overall, C# is an easy program to use, and it provides a great programming foundation.

Your ease of learning will depend upon your background. If you have a background in a language such as C++, then you'll find the transition to C# a smooth one. However, the opposite isn't necessarily true. The reason behind this is that C# is what is considered a high-level language. What does this mean? It means that it operates similar to English. 

Therefore, it's designed with easy usability in mind. You don't have to be burdened with difficult tasks such as memory management and exception handling. C# handles that for you. With other programs such as C++, the developer has to monitor it closely. Coders who use the C# language find that a welcome relief. So what is C# used for? It's created to be a language that is both versatile and easy to use.

In Demand

When you wondered, 'what is c# used for?' a new job may not have been the first thing that came to mind. But this incredibly versatile language is in demand. C# is used by thousands of companies across the United States. Knowledge of C# can help you earn good money, too. Base pay is almost $80,000 a year. Add to the mix that there are more than 5,000 available C# jobs in the U.S., and you can see how learning this language will open the door to several profitable job opportunities. 

As Microsoft continues to refine the C# language so that C# can be more easily used across a wide variety of disciplines, the number of C#-related jobs is also expected to increase. While there is no such thing as a "recession proof" job, C# programmers do have a great degree of job stability because of the continuing demand for this useful skill.

Continually Evolving

C# isn't going away anytime soon. Its versatility means it won't be banished to the dustbins of programming history. Because C# is constantly evolving, and it is associated with Microsoft, that there will be additional iterations and useful features. You weren't the only one who asked, 'what is C# used for?' Many other programmers asked and answered that question, which is why C# is the 5th most popular programming language.

C# vs. C++: Major Similarities

C# is a C-based language, so the two syntaxes are similar. In both languages, the developer uses brackets to segment coding structures. Also, both use the C-style, object-oriented code. This code utilizes elements of dependencies and various libraries. The use of the code in C# and C++ is very similar.

If the coder is familiar with Java or C++, it is easy to move on to C#. However, moving from C# to C++ is likely to be more difficult for a C# developer because it's a much more low-level language. C# handles much of the "overhead" that must be considered in a C++ program. This means there is a lot more high maintenance programming that must be done. This is a part of what is C# used for: It helps streamline the programming process to make things easier on the programmers.

These are just a few of the reasons why C++ is considered a more difficult language to learn in the development world. To fully appreciate what is C# is used for, you have to carefully examine the similarities and differences between C# and C++. This will enable you to clearly see the advantages this programming language has to offer.

The Basics

On a very basic level, you will find that the codes for C# and C++ are very similar. While C# is new, C++ has been around for a long time. Its original form was first introduced in the 1980s. Even now, C++ is considered a harder language to work with but perhaps the right choice when dealing with something that requires extensive control of the computer hardware or server. However, C# is more popular when used for applications, particularly ones for the web and desktop computers.

C# is used by most major companies and has created many .NET jobs. C# is the standard industry language and has a framework that is much easier to learn than C++. Many development houses are moving closer to C# because of the time it saves.

Both Object-Oriented 

They are compiled languages. What does this indicate? It means that before an application is launched on the computer, the code must be converted to binaries. An example of a compiled language file is an .EXE file. This type of file can be written using either C++ or C#. However, as we have indicated earlier, C# is easier to learn and has several distinct advantages over C++.

However, while there are similarities, the most striking thing about these two programming languages is their differences. Another remarkable attribute is the ease with which C# performs many of the same tasks as C++. We'll examine a few of these.

A Look At The Differences

As with any programming language, there are a wide variety of subtleties and nuances that should be considered before selecting which one to use. Each one is created with a specific purpose in mind. While C# and C++ are two popular C programming languages, it is only by carefully evaluating their differences that you can accurately determine which one will be the best choice for your product or program.

Platforms:

C# programs are very versatile but are primarily geared toward the Windows operating system. With C++ you can code for a wide variety of platforms. However, Microsoft is currently developing cross-platform support for C# programs. C++ is used for applications that work directly with your computer's hardware while C# is most often used for web, desktop and mobile apps.

Flexibility

C++ is more flexible—but perhaps a bit too flexible. The C++ language will do almost anything you tell it to as long as your syntax is correct. While this does provide a lot of flexibility, it's also possible to severely damage the operating system if you're not careful. By comparison, C# has more "protections." This means it will give you warnings and compiler errors and even refuse to allow you to make changes that could put your system in peril.

Comparisons Of Speed

Because C++ code is faster, it can be used when higher level languages cannot be implemented. Therefore, C++ may be a better choice when speed or performance is important.

Garbage Collection

Here, C# has the clear advantage. Because it has automatic garbage collection, you don't have to worry about where you must allocate—and deallocate—memory for your objects. 

What Is C# Used For? A Lot More Than You May Realize

Among computer engineering circles, it's said that the C in C# stands for "cool." Can you blame them? After all, this is the program that has been at the heart of several of the most popular video games on the planet. Even a quick review of the basics will provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits of C#.

It's An Easy Programming Language To Learn

This is particularly true if you've learned a harder language program such as C++ or even Java. C# has a programming language that is closer to English, making it a higher-level language program. Granted, this may not make C# the ideal choice when dealing with processor speed and server interactions. However, for many, embracing C# means taking advantage of features that are both comprehensive and less labor-intensive than other programming languages.

It Has A Very Promising Future

One look at the job market horizon and you'll clearly see the multiple opportunities available to those who are familiar with C#. In addition, C# is used in companies across the world, and the job demand is likely to increase in the future.

It Will Probably Become Even More Versatile

C# is primarily designed to work with the Windows operating system. By comparison, the similar language, C++, can code for any platform. However, in the future, C# may become more versatile so it can sync better with other operating systems.

It Has Several Programming Advantages

One of these advantages has to do with "garbage collection." In some programs, such as C++, the programmer has to constantly be aware of the memory and allocate it or deallocate it as needed. C# takes care of that problem.

Another advantage is compiler warnings. C++ enables programmers to make any changes to the system as long as they have phrased it using the correct programming syntax. Therefore, it is very possible that a programmer can inadvertently create something that damages the internal operating system or part of the computer's base programing. By comparison, C# has certain safeguards in place to help ensure this does not happen.