When we write C# code, we use an integrated development environment (IDE). The first thing you want to do is get your computer set up to start coding. The best way to learn C# is to, in my opinion, combine reading, watching videos and coding. Start with short simple code pieces and run the code on the Console (command line box or “DOS box”).

The next thing you may want to do, after getting familiar with the IDE, and coding small bits of code and running it, is to have a look at the .NET Core. Don’t spend too much time here on this topic, because the more you code the more you begin to understand how the .NET Framework operates.

Warning

If you use Visual Studio 2017, see dotnet/sdk issue #3124 for information about .NET Core SDK versions that don’t work with Visual Studio.

Visual Studio Community 2017

The current version of Visual Studio that I recommend is Community 2017. It’s the most basic version but the good news is that it is free of charge. When using .NET Core, I recommend using version 2.0.

Tips

Here are some tips from the website AtlasCode.

At YouTube there is a video called Top 10 Hidden Gems in Visual Studio – Speed Up Development Without Increasing Your Costs by Tim Corey.