.NET Languages

C# (C-Sharp)

C# is a modern, object-oriented, and type-safe programming language developed by Microsoft. It's the primary language for .NET development, offering a rich set of features for building robust and scalable applications.

Key features include:

• Object-oriented programming (OOP)
• LINQ (Language Integrated Query)
• Async/await for asynchronous programming
• Generics and delegates
• Pattern matching

Example: Hello World

using System;

namespace HelloWorld
{
    class Program
    {
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("Hello, World!");
        }
    }
}

F# (F-Sharp)

F# is a functional-first, general-purpose programming language that runs on .NET. It emphasizes simplicity, robustness, and speed, making it ideal for data science, machine learning, and complex systems.

Key features include:

• Functional programming paradigm
• Type inference
• Immutability by default
• Pattern matching
• Asynchronous programming

Example: Simple Function

let add x y = x + y

printfn "%d" (add 5 3)

Visual Basic .NET

Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET) is a versatile, object-oriented programming language that is an evolution of Visual Basic. It's known for its ease of use and readability, making it suitable for rapid application development.

Key features include:

• Event-driven programming
• Strongly typed
• Object-oriented
• Integration with .NET Framework

Example: Message Box

Imports System

Module MyModule
    Sub Main()
        MessageBox.Show("Hello from Visual Basic .NET!")
    End Sub
End Module

Other .NET Languages

.NET also supports other languages through community efforts and specific runtimes. While C#, F#, and VB.NET are the primary languages, you can also leverage languages like:

• C++ with CLI: For interop scenarios and low-level programming.
• IronPython: A Python implementation on .NET.
• IronRuby: A Ruby implementation on .NET.

These languages offer different paradigms and strengths, allowing developers to choose the best tool for their specific needs.