Chapter145:CreatingaConsole ApplicationusingaPlain-TextEditorand theC#Compiler(csc.exe)

Section 145.1: Creating a Console application using a Plain- TextEditorandtheC#Compiler

In order to use a plain-text editor to create a Console application that is written in C#, you’ll need the C# Compiler. The C# Compiler (csc.exe), can be found at the following location:

%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\csc.exe

N.B.Dependinguponwhichversionofthe.NETFrameworkthatisinstalledonyoursystem,youmayneedto change the path above, accordingly.

SavingtheCode

The purpose of this topic is not to teach you how to write a Console application, but to teach you how to compile one [to produce a single executable file], with nothing other than the C# Compiler and any Plain-Text Editor (such as Notepad).

1. OpentheRundialog,byusingthekeyboardshortcut         WindowsKey  + R
2. Typenotepad,thenhit Enter
3. Pastetheexamplecodebelow,intoNotepad
4. SavethefileasConsoleApp.cs,bygoingtoFile →Save As…,thenenteringConsoleApp.csinthe’FileName’textfield,thenselectingAllFilesasthefile-type.
5. ClickSave

CompilingtheSourceCode

1. OpentheRundialog,using         WindowsKey  + R
2. Enter

%WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\csc.exe/t:exe

/out:”C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\ConsoleApp.exe””C:\Users\yourUser

Name\Documents\ConsoleApp.cs”

Enter:

Now, go back to where you originally saved your ConsoleApp.csfile. You should now see an executable file (ConsoleApp.exe).Double-clickConsoleApp.exetoopenit.

That’sit!Yourconsoleapplicationhasbeencompiled.Anexecutablefilehasbeencreatedandyounowhavea working Console app.

usingSystem;

namespaceConsoleApp

{

classProgram

{

privatestaticstringinput=String.Empty;

staticvoidMain(string[]args)

{

gotoDisplayGreeting;

DisplayGreeting:

{

Console.WriteLine(“Hello!Whatisyourname?”);

input=Console.ReadLine();

if(input.Length>=1)

{

Console.WriteLine(

“Hello,”+

input+

“,enter’Exit’atanytimetoexitthisapp.”);

gotoAwaitFurtherInstruction;

}

else

{

gotoDisplayGreeting;

}

}

AwaitFurtherInstruction:

{

input=Console.ReadLine();

if(input.ToLower()==”exit”)

{

input=String.Empty;

Environment.Exit(0);

}

else

{

gotoAwaitFurtherInstruction;

}

}

}

}

}