C# (.NET)

C# is a new programming language, I have not been play with it long enough (at this time writing), this page basically just my first comment and early impression about it.

C# is similar to C/C++, they have very similar way to write statement, for example we have to put semicolon at the end of statement.

All program created in C# requires .NET framework to run, this is similar to VB which requires VB run time installed before we can run the application, W2K only has VB run time, it is installed by default, even Windows XP does not have .NET framework, perhaps the next/new operating system from Microsoft will have the .NET framework installed by default, that is assume .NET is very successful.

I have a mix feeling about .NET framework, the translation to the native machine language is quite slow (compare to VB), the .NET framework size is about 20MB (current release) but it is responsible for the easiness to program in C#, I don't have enough information about .NET framework, all I found are only in Microsoft site, I think the .NET framework is an API wrapper like MFC.

C# that I used is English version, I am not so sure whether Microsoft will release DBCS version like Korean, Japanese, etc. I am saying this because I can write DBCS string into it and it works perfect, unlike Visual C++ 6 which has many version, I have to use the local version to be able to write DBCS string, this is the same like Visual Basic 6..

The UI creation and operation very similar to VB, I love it a lot, novice programmer will found it easy to program in C#, beginner should found it a lot easier to learn than C/C++, I still remember how frustrated I was back then, but it might be my experienced that help me to understand C# in a not very long time.

I found it easy to move to C#, this should be same for other programmer who experienced in C/C++ as well. In C#, the namespace like System (object) is very helpful, this helps clear out the naming confusion when we develop big program, the '#include' statement in C/C++ has been replaced by 'using' statement in C#, it is easier and avoid the missing library file location.

I think making UI in C# and create dynamic library (.dll) in C/C++ is better than doing everything in C#, unless we found something that can not be done or difficult to make in C/C++, this way we can avoid the translation to the native machine language which is slow, but I normally do this with VB and C/C++, I know this is a bad thing to do, because it means the application can not be use for commercial program (VB is Rapid Application Developement tools), not so sure if someone or a company will eventually use it this way to make commercial program by mixing with C# (UI) and C/C++ (library), there is no reason not to though.

I have read about C# being similar with Java, but I have little knowledge on Java and never make program in Java (else than just Java script for web), all I know is that C# is easier than Java, and Java is easier than C/C++.

One other thing that I notice and like is the size of the executable file (.exe), it is small, really small, even I compare the same program (same functionality) to VB, C# is hold the record of the smallest size of executable ever, this proves that a lot of translation need to be done before the code run, could Microsoft use compression in the compiled binary ? I just hope that someday someone can hack the C# and able to compile the application and run it without the need of .NET framework.

I am not so sure about the possibility of reverse engineering (disassembly) of C#, any compiled executable binary program can be reverse engineer, even though it is compressed, but question is 'how easy is it ?', would the .NET framework makes it easier for hacker to reserve engineer the program ? as easy as VB ? because they need run time library to run, can hacker be easily read the script ?

Conclusion:
Because of the .NET framework (run time) I am worry about the time required for C# before it is widely use by programmer, C# can be a good starting point for people who want to learn programming before they move on to learn other language such as C/C++, it supports all the functionality of classes, polymorphism, inheritance, all of these with ease. Hardcore C/C++ programmer might found C# as a down-grader, if this true then only the flow of technology can drag them into this shallow river.