If you’re ready to jump start your career in programming, C# is one of the most popular languages – and in my opinion, a great place to start.
Why?
Because it worked for me and I know it can work for you.
As long as Microsoft is still around, there will always be demand for C# developers in the software industry.
You’re probably wondering:
- What C# skills should I learn?
- What area of C# programming should I specialize in?
- Where can I start learning C#?
If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, I’ll show you the process that I took from knowing completely nothing about programming to becoming a Full Stack Software Developer.
If this sounds interesting, read on.
What is C# and Why Is It a Good Language to Learn?
C#, pronounced “C-sharp”, is an object-oriented programming language. Compared to other languages, it’s relatively easy to learn and can be used for a range of applications – from simple console apps to creating web services and mobile apps.
C# is a robust language that can be used to develop scalable applications. With simple console applications, getting your feet wet with C# is easy. You’ll be able to get started within minutes.
On top of that, C# used to be Windows only. In 2017, Microsoft created Visual Studio for Mac and since then, the support and user base has only been growing. So if you have a Mac (like I do!), learning C# is even more accessible.
So why is it a good language to learn? C# has an easy-to-read syntax while incorporating object-oriented concepts that are commonly used in software companies. C#’s modern syntax has a low barrier of entry, allowing new developers to learn programming concepts quickly without having to worry about complex syntax.
C# is also backed by Microsoft, one of the largest software companies in the world and is not going away anytime soon. C# has a massive presence in the industry and learning it will set you up for a successful career in software development.
Install Visual Studio as Your C# Programming Environment
To get started with coding in C#, you will need to install the integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft called Visual Studio. This essential programming tool contains everything you need to code and debug C# solutions.
It includes a text editor that helps color-code your code, providing syntax highlighting, auto-complete capabilities, and powerful debugging tools. Once you’ve installed the application, you can write and compile your first program within minutes!
Learning and getting used to these tools is absolutely essential to learning C#. Like every profession, tools allow you to do your job quickly without worrying about how to get it done.
Learn how to use breakpoints to stop the code at a particular point in your code. Learn how to use the watch list to keep track of variables. You’ll encounter many errors while coding your application, so learn to break down the error messages and trace back to where the error is occurring in your code.
This process can be long and tedious, but this is the reality of programming. No code runs perfectly the first time you write it, and this applies to software written in the workforce.
Much like how a plumber uses pipes or a surgeon that uses a scalpel, you as a C# programmer must use Visual Studio as your tool to create software.
Start Introduction to C# Tutorials on the Microsoft Website
The best place to begin learning C# is on Microsoft’s official website, C# Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners. They have tutorials and a course that covers the building blocks of programming in C#. These lessons will provide you with an understanding of basic statements, looping technology, working with numbers and text, methods, classes and objects.
Once you’ve gained some momentum with the fundamentals, you can start to manipulate data structures or work with databases.
This sounds a little bit too simple doesn’t it? Yes it is simple. It is not easy.
How you approach these video tutorials will determine if you not only make it as a software developer, but also how you stay a software developer.
Treat these tutorials as a job. Obviously you’d show up on time for your job or else you’d suffer the consequences. Do the same for these lessons and you’ll reap the rewards.
Start your own project
Once you’re comfortable with basic C# programming, it’s time to put those skills to use!
Think of a problem that you or anyone else is facing that you can possibly solve with a program. Perhaps you are playing a game and would like to get stats from your performance. Thinking about how to solve the problem through programming helps you stay focused on your project. You are not just coding for the sake of coding. You are coding to provide a solution that you (and others) may need.
If you can’t think of any projects, think about an app or website that you frequently use. You can make your own simplified version of Twitter or Instagram. Creating a copy of another app is a great way to get started because you don’t have to come up with the design logic from scratch: it’s already there.
As the saying goes, imitation is the greatest form of flattery.
Starting these projects and saving them to Github helps keep your project organized. If your project matures enough, you can include it on your resume. You don’t have to complete your project however, you just need to provide enough information where you can walk through the code and explain how the code works from top to bottom.
I assure you, not a lot of entry level developers are doing this. So you’ll absolutely be ahead of the pack in the interview process.
Best of luck! The information is there, the action is yours.
-Bao
Check out my other articles regarding C#:
8 Reasons why you should learn C# in 2023