C# is one of the top programming languages in the world, easily landing in the top 5 of the most widely used languages according to nearly ever measuring stick. While it may not be as easy to learn as stalwarts like Python and JavaScript, C# does have an easier learning curve than programming languages like C++, Java, and C.

In today’s programming tutorial, we will look at the advantages of choosing C# and the .NET framework as your coding language of choice. We will follow up with another tutorial on the disadvantages of C# as well.

Read: Best Online Courses to Learn C#

What is C#?

C# – you can pronounce it as “See Sharp” – is an object-oriented, type-safe programming language that runs on the .NET Framework. The phrase “type-safe” means that the data types in C# are only able to interact through the use of protocols defined by the type itself. In simpler terms, in C#, developers cannot treat a string type as though it were an integer type, and vice versa. This is a pivotal feature of certain programming languages that helps prevent errors that occur when one data type is (wrongly) used as though it were another.

Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that use the concept of objects and classes to structure programs for better readability, maintainability, and to reduce errors. The subject of OOP is too complicated to be explained here, but we do have a great guide on C# Object Oriented Programming for Beginners that defines the principles of object oriented programming in great detail.

What is .NET?

.NET (pronounced “Dot Net”) is often confused as a programming language, when, in reality, it is a framework or (more aptly put) virtual execution system that consists of the common language runtime (CLR) and a group of class libraries that support functions within the framework. The common language infrastructure (CLI) is a standard used by the CLR to ensure that programming languages and libraries are compatible.

Other languages that run in the .NET environment include ASP (ASP.NET), Visual Basic (Visual Basic.NET), and F# (F#.NET). You will commonly see ASP.NET and C# used side-by-side in software development.

What are the Advantages of Programming in C#?

C# has a number of benefits for developers, regardless of their skill-level or experience as a programmer. We highlight several of these in the following section.

C# is Object-Oriented

As stated, C#, since its inception, was intended to be a object oriented programming language. In OOP, programmers can easily define the structure (and type) of data and group them into objects, which are created from classes (think of classes as a blueprint and objects as the things you make from those blueprints). This grouping of data makes it easier to develop applications, maintain applications, and reuse code. It also makes code easier to fix and less prone to errors.

C# is Part of the C-Family of Languages

C# has a long history, having been in use for over two decades. Add to that the programming languages lineage, and you can start to see that C# is a very reliable – and well-maintained – language that developers and software development organizations can depend on.

One key feature of C# is known as interoperability, meaning it supports other features of C-family languages (ie; you can use them in conjunction with one another). The C-family of programming languages include such heavyweights as C, C++, and Java.

Additionally, if you are a C# coder, odds are you will be able to – at the very least – understand the majority of C, C++, and Java code and, if you decide to add one of those languages to your repertoire, you will have an easier time doing so than if you were, say, a PHP or JavaScript programmer, thanks to the similarities in programming concepts and structure.

You can learn more about C++ by reading the tutorials in our C++ programming section.

You can learn more Java by visiting the Java programming section on our sister site.

Memory Management

In languages like C, managing memory falls into the hands of the developer, which can be a bit of a burden, as the coder needs to remember to account for memory cleanup and account for the management of memory resources – a process known as garbage collection. Without the proper allocation of memory resources, an application’s performance can be affected, leading to slow software, errors, and software crashes.

C# removes this burden from the developer in the form of a built-in garbage collector – also known as GC. The garbage collector manages memory by keeping tabs on unused objects and works to free memory when it is no longer needed automatically, so the coder does not need to worry about it. In general, the purpose of the garbage collector is to manage unused objects, clean memory, and allocate the memory to new objects once the old objects no longer require it.

One note: even with a garbage collector, C# developers still need to account for the possibility of memory leaks. You can learn more about memory leaks by reading our tutorial: Best Practices for Memory Leaks in C#.

Support and Documentation

A huge perk of learning how to program in C# revolves around its documentation and support. C# is maintained and developed by Microsoft, who regularly put out new releases that update features to the language. This support and continued development of the language means that the language is not going anywhere anytime soon and corporations will continue to use C# for the foreseeable future. This means job security and an audience for the programs and applications you create in C#.

The longevity of C# also means that the language has been thoroughly tested and patched, making it very secure. That same longevity means it is also well-documented, with volumes of books, tutorials, and how-to guides existing in the world – not to mention Microsoft’s own knowledgebase, which contributes tutorials in written and video form.

Finally, the longevity has bred a large user base, meaning their are plenty of C# programmers in the world who can help you learn the language or troubleshoot your code if you run into a problem. Forums, like our own forums.codeguru.com, also exist where developers can interact with one another to learn code or discuss the nuances of the popular programming language.

C# is Cross-Platform

Another advantage of C# is the fact that the programming language is cross-platform. This is a fancy way of saying that, if you create an application in C#, it can run on any operating system or platform, including Apple, iOS, Windows, Android, or in the cloud.

C# is a Structured Programming Language

In addition to being an object-oriented and type-safe programming language, C# is also a structured programming language. As the name might imply, this means that programs written in C# are written in a logical, structured manner – broken into small modules that are known as procedures and functions. This structuring of code makes the code easier to read, understand, maintain, debug, and run more efficiently.

Final Thoughts on the Advantages of C#

In the next part of this tutorial series, we will look at some of the disadvantages of C# and some of the areas the language excels at and does not excel in.

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In our last tutorial, we learned about the advantages of developing software in the C# programming language and .NET Framework. In today’s programming tutorial, we will look at the flipside, as we uncover the disadvantages of C# software development and where it is lacking a coding language.

If you missed our last article, you can check it out here: Advantages of Programming in C#.

What is C#

C# is a Microsoft developed programming language that works alongside the .NET Framework and common runtime language (CLR), and follows the international common language infrastructure (CLI) standard, designed to adhere that programming languages and libraries are compatible and work together.

More specifically, C# – pronounced “Sea Sharp” – is a structured, type-safe, object-oriented programming language. It is considered high-level, meaning that a compiler interprets the code that you write into a low-level machine language for the computer to understand the instructions you are issuing it.

The term “structured” means that there is a structure to the way your code is input. Code is broken down into smaller modules, each developed to tackle a task that the overall program is intended to perform. This structuring of code makes applications and code easier to read, understand, debug, and maintain – creating an overall more efficient codebase.

Type-safe refers to how C# handles data types. That is to say, C# data types are only able to interact through the use of protocols defined by the data type. For example, a programmer cannot make an integer (a numeric value) behave in the same manner as a string Ia text-based value). This important feature helps to prevent errors that occur when a developer tries to perform actions on a data type as though it were of another type.

Object-oriented – or object oriented programming (OOP) – meanwhile, is a programming paradigm which uses the concept of classes (think of them as blueprints) to create objects (the thing created from the blueprint) to structure programs and code. OOP code is easier to maintain, read, re-use, and fix; it also reduces the occurrence of errors and increases the speed at which a program can be created, as commonly used sections of code can be encapsulated and re-used without the programmer having to manually retype in code each time.

You can learn more about Object Oriented Programming in our tutorial: C# Object Oriented Programming for Beginners.

You can learn more about C# and the .NET Framework in our tutorial: C# for Beginners.

What are the Disadvantages of Programming in C#?

While C# is one of the top 5 programming languages in the world and we highly recommend developers learn it, it does have its own set of disadvantages when compared to other popular coding languages like Java, JavaScript, and Python.

We discuss those disadvantages in the following sections.

C# Performance Issues

When we speak about performance in terms of a programming language and software development, we measure that time through how long compilation takes, in addition to the speed of the application itself. When compared to other languages, like C++ and C, C# is slower. This is because C# must be compiled into an intermediary language, then into machine language prior to being executed.

In most cases, you will not notice this difference, but in larger applications, such as game development, it will be perceivable..

C# Is A Moderately Difficult Language To Learn

When compared to languages in its class like Python, Perl, PHP, or Ruby, C# is a more difficult programming language to learn. Those four languages, in particular, are very easy to read and understand their code intention even for non-coders (mostly), while C# can be a little more difficult to read unless you know the language decently well.

On the flipside of that statement, C# is a lot easier to learn than many other programming languages. In particular, C# is easier to learn than C++ or C. You could say it is on par with learning Java. If you know one of the C-family of languages (C, C++, or Java), learning C# becomes much easier – and vice versa.

The same can be said of any programming language truthfully, as all languages follow the same core principles and concepts – with deviations obviously.

To help lessen this disadvantage, would-be C# programmers can take advantage of the mountains of tutorials, books, forums, and online resources to make learning the language easier.

In fact, if you prefer to learn in an online course environment, we have a list of the Top Online Courses to Learn C# Programming to help get you started.

Low-Level Functionality

If you are looking to perform low-level programming tasks like interact directly with hardware, create drivers, or mess with firmware, you will need to look elsewhere, as C# does not have this functionality. You can use C# for embedded programming and coding for the Internet of Things (IoT), but true low-level coding is not a feature of C#.

C# Is Compiled

While there are benefits to compiled code – namely that it is faster and executes more efficiently than interpreted code – working with code that needs to be compiled can be a little bit of a pain in the neck, as you must re-compile your code every time you make a change – no matter how minor that change may be.

Failing to test even minor code changes can lead to compilation errors that can be laborious to figure out and track down.

Final Thoughts on C# Disadvantages

Despite the disadvantages listed in this programming tutorial, C#’s many advantages far outweigh any reason a developer would have to not learn the language. C# is in the top five programming languages in the world – and with good reason. It is powerful, moderately difficult to learn, is backed by Microsoft, and is interoperable with the C-family of programming languages. It can be used to develop desktop applications, mobile apps, video games, and everything in between Because of these factors, and more, programmers should not be deterred from learning this popular coding language.

Read more C# programming tutorials and guides to software development.

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The video game development market is showing no signs of slowing down, helped in part due to the pandemic, as people sought alternate ways to keep themselves occupied with limited access to pre-pandemic entertainment (movie theaters, concerts, packed arenas breathlessly watching mimes). In addition, gaming has been embraced by the world and no longer just a hobby for the “uncool” kids.

With the continued rise in interest for video games, it follows suit that the need for people to create those games is on the rise as well. Video game developers are the backbone of game development, and work alongside storytellers, level designers, artists, voice over talent, and game testers to make the world of their games come to life. To do that, however, a developer needs a specific skill set, beyond the normal software development fundamentals.

Seeking a career in game development will require programmers to make a few decisions early on that could shape their career path. For example, video games can be programmed using a number of programming languages, with the most common being C++, HTML5, C#, Java, and Python. Figuring out the platform you want to code games on matters too. If you want to make games for consoles like the PlayStation or Xbox, then C++ is a must. Online game devs will fair well with HTML5; the same could be said for VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) game creators.

Top Online Courses to Learn Game Development

Normally in articles that highlight courses to learn a programming language, we break the listings down into categories for beginner, intermediate, and advanced developers. This time we are taking a different approach and giving coders game development courses covering different languages, game engines, and career paths. At the end of the day, you might want to consider taking several of these courses, as the more experience, game development environments, and languages you have under your belt, the better.

Game Writing: Storytelling through Video Game Design from Udemy

Just as with regular programming, knowing syntax, keywords, methods, and functions are great, but they are not all a developer will need to know to become a great software engineer. Program design and an understanding of software architecture are essential concepts for a programmer to know. For that reason, we start off our listing of video game development courses with a surprising entry: Game Writing: Storytelling through Video Game Design.

This game developer course involves zero coding or programming languages. Instead, it sets its eyes on one of the most vital parts of a video game: storytelling and game design. If you have ever played retro video games, you will know that only a few of the thousands that were created ever stood the test of time, regardless of poor graphics and limited memory/processor resources. Super Mario Brothers, Zelda, and Duck Tales were all stand outs not because of superior graphics, but because of solid game design. Symphony of the Night is a revered cult classic from the Castlevania series largely due to its immersive story and replayability.

This programming course teaches students how to write video games and design them. You will study how story is conveyed through gameplay and examples of memorable narrative elements. By the end of the class, students will be able to develop a video game idea from conception through to the story phase. The course is two hours total, with bonus material promised at later dates.

You can sign up for this quick game development course by visiting its page on Udemy: Game Writing: Storytelling through Video Game Design.

Unreal Engine 5 C++ Developer: Learn C++ & Make Video Games from Udemy

The Unreal Engine 5 C++ Developer: Learn C++ & Make Video Games course is great for new developers that want to not only learn video game development, but also the basics of C++ and the ever-popular Unreal Engine.

One of the best things about this particular course is that, by the end, you will have made 5 basic video games. This means that you won’t just be learning code and code principles; you will be actually putting your knowledge to work, helping ensure that what you learn sticks and makes sense in the real world of coding.

The course is pretty long, weighing in at nearly 30 hours. It comes with a “Certificate of Completion” once your finish the class. Video game development topics covered include:

• How to use (and make games in) Unreal Engine
• Object-oriented Programming (OOP) principles and concepts
• C++ fundamentals and best practices
• Writing clean code and documentation
• How to use artificial intelligence (AI) for behavioral programming of NPC and enemy characters
• How to use Blueprint
• Game development technologies and techniques

You can sign-up for this course and begin creating your first five video games by visiting its Udemy listing: Unreal Engine 5 C++ Developer: Learn C++ & Make Video Games.

Introduction to C++ Programming and Unreal from Coursera

If you are looking for a shorter course to learn both C++ and the Unreal Game Engine, Coursera has a course titled Introduction to C++ Programming and Unreal that may be a better fit before you tackle something larger.

The course does suggest you have knowledge of programming in some language, as C++ (even at the beginner level) can be a little challenging. The course is 20 hours long and is the first part of a larger series called the C++ Programming for Unreal Game Development Specialization. It is made up of four modules, detailed below:

• Module 1: Create a C++ console app and Unreal Script
• Module 2: Store and use data in your programs
• Module 3: Uses classes and objects to create object-oriented code
• Module 4: Learn how to use the Unreal Engine

You can sign-up for this course by visiting its page on Coursera: Introduction to C++ Programming and Unreal.

Introduction to C# Programming and Unity from Coursera

The Introduction to C# Programming and Unity from Coursera shifts focus from C++ and Unreal and, instead, cover C# and the Unity Game Engine, which is another popular game development tool. One of the great benefits to this course is that it teaches students how to code in C#, which is one of the world’s top 5 programming languages. C# is also highly flexible and powerful, so if you cannot find a job developing games, you will have plenty of other options.

The course is 19 hours long and does not require you to know any programming or software development at all. The course contains four modules with specific goals for each module:

• Module 1: Write a C# console application and some Unity scripts
• Module 2: Learn how to store data
• Module 3: Use classes and objects in C#
• Module 4: Learn how to create basic 2D games using the Unity engine

You can sign up for this C# game development course by visiting its Coursera listing: Introduction to C# Programming and Unity from Coursera.

The Hands-On Game Development Bundle: Make Your Own Games! From TechRepublic Academy

The The Hands-On Game Development Bundle: Make Your Own Games! bundle is made up of 10 courses, each of which cover an important aspect of game design and development. This is a particularly interesting bundle, because students will get to make several types of games on different gaming platforms and even use a few different game development tools.

In the first course, the focus will be on how to program a micro-strategy game. The second course covers C++ programming for beginners. With a little C++ syntax under your belt, it is time to look at another set of tools for game creation: Node.js and Express. From there, Godot game development is taught, followed by an overview of humanoid animation tools, which are used to animate characters in your games.

With these skills learned, you will next create an actual augmented reality (AR) game called Space Shooter. Unit movement is then covered, after which you get the opportunity to create your first 3D game using Unity. The final two courses in the bundle tackle two more game types: mobile game development and how to use C++ to make a text-based role-playing game (RPG).

To signup, visit the game development course’s page at TechRepublic Academy: The Hands-On Game Development Bundle: Make Your Own Games!

The 2022 Premium Learn Game Development Bundle from TechRepublic Academy

The The 2022 Premium Learn Game Development Bundle is another huge bundle. While it contains fewer courses than our previous listing, it contains an astonishing 130 hours worth of material. A great part of this bundle is that it focuses on other elements of game development and design that other courses tend to skim over. For example, one of the courses covers 2D game creation in Unity, while another teaches 3D modeling with Blender.

Design patterns are gone over in great detail and there is plenty of C++ coding as well. Finally, an “RPG Core Combat Creator” section teaches C# and intermediate level Unity.

To learn more and begin taking this game creation course, visit its TechRepublic Academy page: The 2022 Premium Learn Game Development Bundle.

How To Get A Job In The Video Game Industry from TechRepublic Academy

Learning game development principles, programming languages, and how to work with game development tools like Blender, Unity, and Unreal Engine are all integral parts of becoming a game developer. However, if you do not know how to showcase those skills, network, and create an eye-catching portfolio, none of it will matter. Because of that, we decided to close out this article with the How To Get A Job In The Video Game Industry course from Udemy.

As the name implies, this course will teach you the following career development techniques and tactics:

• How to stand out from other candidates to ensure your get an interview
• Interview techniques and answers to common game developer interview questions
• How to create a brand for self-promotion
• LinkedIn networking strategies and how to catch the eyes of decision makers
• How to create resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, and portfolio that are tailored to the gaming industry
• Learn how to find jobs and create opportunities when they do not exist

You can sign up for this course to get your career as a game developer started by visiting: How to Get a Job in the Video Game Industry.

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