Introduction to .NET
Welcome to the comprehensive documentation for .NET. .NET is a free, cross-platform, open-source developer platform for building many different types of applications.
With .NET, you can:
- Build console, desktop, mobile, web, and IoT applications.
- Use C#, F#, or Visual Basic for development.
- Leverage a rich set of libraries and frameworks for common tasks.
- Benefit from a robust ecosystem with powerful tooling and community support.
What is .NET?
.NET is a versatile framework that allows developers to create a wide range of applications for various platforms. It provides a managed execution environment, a set of APIs, and tools that streamline the development process.
Key features of .NET include:
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Develop and run applications on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Performance: .NET is engineered for high performance, making it suitable for demanding applications.
- Modern Language Support: Utilize powerful and expressive languages like C#, F#, and Visual Basic.
- Open Source: .NET is open-source, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Unified Platform: .NET provides a single platform for building diverse application types.
Did You Know? .NET has evolved significantly, with .NET 5 and later versions unifying the .NET ecosystem, offering a single product line that is cross-platform and open-source.
Getting Started
This documentation aims to guide you through the various aspects of .NET development. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, you will find valuable resources to help you succeed.
Explore the following sections to get started:
- Installation: Learn how to set up your development environment.
- Getting Started: Create your first .NET application.
- Tutorials: Dive into specific scenarios and build practical projects.
We encourage you to explore the API Reference for detailed information on .NET classes and members.
Example: "Hello, World!" in C#
Here's a simple "Hello, World!" program to illustrate the basic structure of a .NET application:
using System;
namespace HelloWorldApp
{
class Program
{
static void Main(string[] args)
{
Console.WriteLine("Hello, World!");
}
}
}