C# File Format | .cs Extension

The C# programming language’s source code is in files ending in the .cs extension. Microsoft created the file format specifically for use with the.NET Framework. It offers a low-level programming language for writing code that is compiled to produce an EXE or DLL as the final output file. Microsoft Visual Studio can be used to create and compile these. One free IDE that can be used to create and update these files is Microsoft Visual Studio Express. Applications that are developed using CS files can be as simple as desktop apps or as sophisticated as programs.

History of C#

C# is a programming language created by Microsoft in the early 2000s. It was created to work seamlessly with the .NET framework. A file with a “.cs” extension usually contains C# code – basically, instructions for computers in human-readable format. C# has gone under no of updates over the years to keep up with the world of software development. Developers love C# because it’s versatile and you can use it to build computer programs, websites, and mobile apps. Its popularity has made it a fundamental tool for developers working on a variety of applications.

Features of C# Language

• It has support for the OOPs means it supports the principles of encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
• They are used with Microsoft Visual Studio which provides tools for code editing, debugging, and project management.
• Also have services such as automatic memory management (garbage collection) and exception handling.
• C# applications are built on the .NET framework. In addition to the traditional .NET framework, there is also .NET Core, which is a cross-platform and open-source version of .NET.
• It is widely used in game development, especially with the Unity game engine. Unity allows developers to create games for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more.

Syntax to use C#

• Semicolons denote the end of a statement.
• Curly brackets are used to group statements. Statements are commonly divided into methods (functions), classes, and namespaces.
• Variables are assigned with an equals sign and compared with two consecutive equals signs.
• Square brackets are used with arrays to both declare them and retrieve a value at a specific index within one of them.

Code Example:

C#

using System;

class GFG
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Prompt the user to enter a number
        Console.Write("Enter a number to calculate its factorial: ");

        // Read the user's input
        int number = int.Parse(Console.ReadLine());

        // Calculate and print the factorial
        long factorialResult = CalculateFactorial(number);
        Console.WriteLine($"The factorial of {number} is: {factorialResult}");
    }

    // Recursive function to calculate factorial
    static long CalculateFactorial(int n)
    {
        if (n == 0 || n == 1)
        {
            return 1;
        }
        else
        {
            return n * CalculateFactorial(n - 1);
        }
    }
}

Output:

Enter a number to calculate its factorial:

6

The factorial of 6 is: 720

Why Choose C#? Unmasking the Advantages

• It is a high-level language with a simple learning curve, making it suitable for programmers of all skill levels.
• It includes built-in security features to help protect the application from attacks and vulnerabilities.
• Rapid development allows developers to write code more quickly while reducing the number of errors and bugs.
• It includes high-productivity development tools like IntelliSense and advanced debugging, which make code writing and debugging simpler.

Facing the Flip Side: A Look at C#’s Limitations

• A programmer is unable to interact with hardware at the lowest level via drivers and firmware.
• It is part of the.NET framework, it requires the Windows platform to run.
• C# requires code compilation every time you make a change. This can lead to errors and bugs.

In summary, a .cs file is a source code file written in the C# programming language, and C# is a versatile language used for a wide range of applications, from desktop software to web development and game development.