C# FAQ's
Questions I've been asked in the last six weeks
about C#
1. What is C#?
2. Do I have to buy C#?
3. What is the Common Language Runtime?
4. Will C# run on my PC?
5. Where can I purchase C#?
6. How can I best learn C#?
7. Do you offer any classes on C#?
8. Will a knowledge of C# get me a good job?
9. What are the System Requirements for C#?
10.Will you be writing any more books on C#?
11. Will there be Certification exams for C#?
12. Will you be writing C# articles like you do VB6 articles?
13. I'm having trouble installing the C# compiler--can you help me?
C# is
Microsoft's newest language. It reminds me a lot of Java. The difference is that
it's designed to run within the .Net framework, which is an Operating
Environment of sorts that right now runs on Windows PC's only.
The .NET Framework is a new programming model
designed to simplify application development in the highly distributed
environment of the Internet. Software running on the .NET Framework can
communicate with software running anywhere else through SOAP and can use
standard objects locally or distributed across the Internet. Consequently, the
developer experience is made consistent so that you can focus on features rather
than on plumbing.
No--the great thing about C# is that it comes with
the .Net Framework, which can be downloaded for FREE from this Website
http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads/
But be careful--the .Net Framework will not run on
every PC. It has stringent hardware and software requirements.
Great question.
The Common Language Runtime (CLR) is that part of
the .Net environment which executes programs. The great thing about the CLR
isn't the CLR itself, but the fact that languages which are developed to run
under the CLR have interoperability. Microsoft says that ".Net languages
are only lenses through which programmers see the same underlying framework."
What that means, in theory, is that code that you
write in C# can run in the Visual C++.Net or Visual Basic.Net environments WITHOUT
modification. Even better, if the .NET framework is ported to run on Unix or
Macintosh PC's, the code will also run--WITHOUT modifications.
That depends. To run the batch version of C#, your
computer must meet the requirements for .Net Framework which can be found here
http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads/default.asp?url=/downloads/sample.asp?url=/MSDN-FILES/027/002/056/msdncompositedoc.xml
If you want to purchase Microsoft Visual C#, then check this site for System
Requirements
http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?site=11132&subid=22&pg=3
At a minimum, you must be running
Windows NT, 2000, or XP. That means if you are running Windows 95 or 98 (yes,
there still are people doing that), you're out of luck.
Be sure to check the System Requirements for C# before purchasing. It WILL NOT RUN on a system with Windows 95 or 98.
Right now, the only version of C# that I can
find available is the Standard Edition of Visual C#. You can purchase it (for
approximately $109) from many locations, and these are listed on my links page
http://www.johnsmiley.com/vbnet/links.htm
You can also buy it directly from Amazon.com for
$89 or so (and you may be eligible for free shipping). Here's the link to
purchase it.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005RV4W/professorsmileys/002-2830526-2718461
6. How can
I best learn C#?
People learn in different ways. The main ways of learning a new language are:
1. Buy a book
2. Take a class (Internet or real)
3. Buy the product and learn on your own
I have links to books, classes and product
information here, and on my C# links page
http://www.johnsmiley.com/csharp/links.htm
Also, check out this Microsoft MSDN Link for the C# language
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/csref/html/vcoriCProgrammersReference.asp
Yes I do. Check this link for more information.
http://www.johnsmiley.com/main/training.htm
At this point, I'm not sure, and it depends a lot
on how much C# is embraced.
This much I do know--historically, being the first
kid on the block to know a new, hot langauge has proven to be a bonanza for the
person knowing it. The question (and your crystal ball is as good as mine) is
how HOT C# will be.
That depends. To run the batch version of C#, your
computer must meet the requirements for .Net Framework which can be found here
http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads/default.asp?url=/downloads/sample.asp?url=/MSDN-FILES/027/002/056/msdncompositedoc.xml
If you want to purchase Microsoft Visual C#, then check this site for System
Requirements
http://www.microsoft.com/catalog/display.asp?site=11132&subid=22&pg=3
At a minimum, you must be running
Windows NT, 2000, or XP. That means if you are running Windows 95 or 98 (yes,
there still are people doing that), you're out of luck.
Not likely.
My publisher believes that I write the
best introductory computer books there are--but prefers that I write books only
on Introductory topics.
But, as they say, never say never. Stay tuned, and in touch with me, for more
information.
Yes, in fact, there already are 3 exams, 70-315,
70-316, and 70-320. Check these links for more information.
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/exams/70-315.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/exams/70-316.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/exams/70-320.asp
I'd be remiss if I didn't remind you about Transcender
exam preparation, and my ability to get you exam simulations at a discounted
price.
http://www.johnsmiley.com/commercial/transcender.htm
Yes, I hope to start writing some C# articles in the next month or so. Be
sure to check the link for my Articles page at
http://www.johnsmiley.com/cis18/freearticles.htm
Yes I can--I've written an article (complete with pictures) that will guide you
through the process. It's my July 2001 article and can be found here.
http://www.johnsmiley.com/cis18/freearticles.htm
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