How do I develop C# apps

The (free) .NET SDK contains the C# command-line compiler (csc.exe). Visual Studio has fully integra...

Does C# replace C++

There are three options open to the Windows developer from a C++ background:
• Stick with standa...

Does C# have its own class library

Not exactly. The .NET Framework has a comprehensive class library, which C# can make use of. C# does...

What standard types does C# use

C# supports a very similar range of basic types to C++, including int, long, float, double, char, st...

Is it true that all C# types derive from a common base class

Yes and no. All types can be treated as if they derive from object (System.Object), but in order to ...

So I can pass an instance of a value type to a method that takes an object as a parameter

Yes. For example:
class CApplication
{
public static void Main()
...

What are the fundamental differences between value types and reference types

C# divides types into two categories - value types and reference types. Most of the intrinsic types ...

Okay, so an int is a value type, and a class is a reference type. How can int be derived from object

It isn't, really. When an int is being used as an int, it is a value. However, when it is being used...

Are C# references the same as C++ references

Not quite. The basic idea is the same, but one significant difference is that C# references can be n...

Structs are largely redundant in C++. Why does C# have them

In C++, a struct and a class are pretty much the same thing. The only difference is the default visi...

Does C# support multiple inheritance (MI)

No, though it does support implementation of multiple interfaces on a single class or struct.

Are C# constructors the same as C++ constructors

Very similar, but there are some significant differences. First, C# supports constructor chaining. T...

Are C# destructors the same as C++ destructors

No. They look the same but they are very different. The C# destructor syntax (with the familiar ~ ch...

If C# destructors are so different to C++ destructors, why did MS use the same syntax

Presumably they wanted C++ programmers to feel at home. I think they made a mistake.

Are all methods virtual in C#

No. Like C++, methods are non-virtual by default, but can be marked as virtual.

How do I declare a pure virtual function in C#

Use the abstract modifier on the method. The class must also be marked as abstract (naturally). Note...

Can I call a virtual method from a constructor/destructor

Yes, but it's generally not a good idea. The mechanics of object construction in .NET are quite diff...

Should I make my destructor virtual

A C# destructor is really just an override of the System.Object Finalize method, and so is virtual b...

Can I use exceptions in C#

Yes, in fact exceptions are the recommended error-handling mechanism in C# (and in .NET in general)....

Can I define my own exceptions

Yes, just derive your exception class from System.Exception.
Note that if you want your exceptio...