How to Learn C#: Steps, Online Courses, and Job Opportunities
Coding and object-oriented programming languages play essential roles in everyday technology. C# is one of the most common, useful, and underrated languages. It can help you develop everything from web applications to advanced forms of software.
Learning C# is more straightforward than you may think. If you’re looking to learn a versatile, simple coding language, C# is a great choice. Here’s everything you need to know about how to learn C#.
What Is C#?
C# is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language. Pronounced “see sharp,” it was created by Danish software developer Anders Hejlsberg in 2000.
C# was originally part of a Microsoft initiative, the .NET Framework. The main goal for this language was to simplify the development of web applications, game engines, and more. C# is included in the Common Language Infrastructure (CLI).
C# is perfect for beginners who want to learn the basics of coding. Its commands and statements are more streamlined and basic than other languages. C# is cross-platform, open-source, and a great place to start learning more advanced coding languages.
What Jobs Use C# Skills?
Developers and other coding-based positions all use C#. With C# knowledge, you can apply for more technical jobs. Learning C# can set you apart from other applicants and help get you a better salary.
C .NET Developer
If you have an intimate knowledge of programming concepts and C#, you could land a job at Microsoft as a C .NET Developer. These professionals use C# to execute advanced technological maintenance, development, and more. Salaries for C .NET developers can range from $48k to $101k. This is a great choice if you feel confident in your C# skills.
Game Developer
The video game industry is growing faster every day, so there’s no shortage of jobs. Mastering C# can open up tons of opportunities in the game development world. Famous titles like Cuphead, Pillars of Eternity, and Hearthstone all use object-oriented programming.
Professional Coder
Becoming a coder is an obvious choice for C# experts. Coder salaries depend on your skill level, specialization, and educational background. The range is anywhere from $25k to $91k. You can make more money by specializing in something like medical coding.
Learn C# Step-by-Step
If you want to learn C# as efficiently as possible, you should make a plan that works for you. Below is a step-by-step guide to learning C#.
1. Learn Basic Programming Concepts
Learning to code can seem daunting at first. It might take a long time and test your patience. But there are dozens of coding courses out there, and many of them are free.
Practice researching and applying coding fundamentals. With more background knowledge, you can start learning syntax, commands, statements, and C# data types.
2. Take C# Courses
A well-structured course can help you learn quickly. You can work with various experts, professors, and instructors who can help you with C#. There are many courses out there, and we’ve compiled some of the best below. You can also check out the best C# coding bootcamps.
Depending on which company or site provides the course, you could get a C# certificate. This can enhance your resume and prove to employers that you have the skill. Certificates can set you apart in the job hunt.
3. Practice C# Basics on Your Own
Just like any other skill, practice makes perfect. Try to build your own game using C# and a game engine. Microsoft, which backs C#, has great documentation and tutorials to help you learn. If you do your research, you can find even more great resources.
4. Join an Online Community
The Internet is full of like-minded people, and C# has its own communities. For example, Reddit has the C# subreddit, r/csharp. With over 160,000 members, you can post inquiries, problems, or solutions to help you get better. Starting conversations with other C# students can help you learn in faster and smarter ways.
5. Experiment and Collaborate
Once you know C# basics, you can start to experiment. Find a fellow programmer or coder and collaborate on a C#-related project. You can put your heads together and learn from one another as you experiment. There are some great tutorials and guides out there to help you.
The Best Courses to Learn C#
Because there are so many C# courses online, it can be hard to choose which one to take. Below are the best C# courses, both free and paid, to help you learn.
C# Fundamentals with Scott Allen
Pluralsight and Scott Allen created this great beginner’s course. Allen, a veteran of complex software development, helps guide students through the ins and outs of C#.
This course is perfect for learning C# without prior coding knowledge. By the end, you’ll have solid C# fundamentals that can help you grow in the field. There are no prerequisites, but you should have some basic programming knowledge first.
Introduction to C# Programming and Unity
Programming professional Dr. Tim “Dr. T” Chamillard teaches this excellent course. An associate professor in computer science at the University of Colorado, Dr. Chamillard is an expert in the field.
In this course, you’ll learn about both C# and its relationship to the Unity Engine. The Unity Engine is one of the most popular game engines out there. This course is perfect for programmers who want to use their skills with C# to develop video games.
Codecademy – Learn C#
Codecademy is one of the best coding resources out there. This course can both teach you C# and show you the best post-graduation options. You’ll be able to write and experiment in C# with ease.
There are five total learning modules, all at your own pace. You’ll learn everything from the “Hello World” command to arrays, loops, and more. Codecademy takes programming concepts and makes them concise and easy to understand. Try looking at their other courses, too.
C# Essential Training: 1 Syntax and Object-Oriented Programming
LinkedIn Learning presents this great free C# training course. Instructor Bruce Van Horn will teach you the basics and show you the potential of object-oriented programming. Van Horn is the lead software developer at Visual Storage Intelligence, so you can learn more than just C#.
You’ll start with the history of C#, and then learn how to work with strings, variables, classes, properties, math, and more. Van Horn can equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a software engineer or web designer.
C# Basics for Beginners: Learn C# Fundamentals by Coding
In under six hours, you can learn everything you need to know about the basics of C#. It’s simple, but after this course, you’ll feel comfortable enough to break into the world of programming. Author and software developer Mosh Hamedani can teach you how to master variables, strings, commands, and syntax.
There are 11 sections with 87 lectures, and you can breeze through them at your own pace. This course also offers downloadable resources, supplemental material, and direct access to Hamedani for any questions or concerns.
C# Advanced Topics: Prepare for Technical Interviews
If you know C# and you want a lucrative tech career, this Udemy course can help you. You’ll learn some more advanced coding concepts and how to nail technical interviews. This course is great for real-world experience.
This course is short—only three and a half hours—but the material is useful. It can teach you how to use Lambda expressions, extension methods, LINQ, and asynchronous programming. You’ll also take quizzes and an exam to test your knowledge.
Complete C# Masterclass
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive course, you’re in the right place. This Udemy course will go through every step of learning C# and other aspects of object-oriented programming languages.
This course is a great option if you want to learn to use C# to craft graphical user interfaces (GUIs). You’ll use Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) for this. Along with the standard curriculum, you will also learn how to use MySQL, LINQ, and more.
Is Learning C# Right for You?
C# is a great choice if you’re a coding beginner and want to learn more about object-oriented programming. It’s an excellent starting option if you’re interested in a coding career. Find which course is right for you, and study hard with our steps in mind.
Coding can be hard to learn. It takes time, practice, and dedication to your projects, but it’s worth it. If you commit yourself to learn C#, you’ll find that it is a useful skill for any coder.
