C#, pronounced as C-Sharp, is one of the powerful programming languages provided by the .NET Framework. According to Microsoft “C# is a modern, object-oriented language that enables programmers to quickly build a wide range of applications for the new Microsoft .NET platform, which provides tools and services that fully exploit both computing and communications”. The main brains behind C# were Anders Hejlsberg and Scott Wiltamuth. However, many other personalities like Rob Howard, Scott Guthrie were also involved behind C# and the .NET Framework. The programming language has been standardized by European Computer Manufactures Association (ECMA).
Microsoft originally released beta versions of .NET Framework to get feedback about the product from developers and customers. Based on the massive response and suggestions received from them for the first beta, Microsoft released second beta in early 2001. Finally, they released final versions of C# under the name, .NET Framework 1.0 in 2002 and that of 1.1 in 2003. With each release, the product shipped with improved features for developing secured and scalable applications along with high quality documentation.
Like C++ and Java, C# is an object oriented programming language. In fact all .NET languages are object oriented since they all have the .NET Framework built into them. The .NET Framework SDK comes with ready reference documentation and Visual Studio 2008 ships with MSDN libraries in a single DVD. Currently, Visual Studio 2010 is available for download at http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/en-us/downloads/default.mspx along with other editions.
You can develop powerful Windows based applications (Windows Forms), Web based applications called ASP.NET, Reusable User Controls with extension .ascx, and Web Services using C#. Microsoft has improved the product with the release of Visual Studio 2008 and it was well received by the developer community. It removed all the difficulties faced by them with their earlier counterparts like Visual Studio .NET and Visual Studio 2005. Visual Studio now ships in four different editions namely Enterprise Architect, Enterprise, Professional and Academic. Visual C# is also available separately as a Standard edition product. Moreover, a trial version of Visual Studio .NET is also available in DVD format from Microsoft. You can learn about the different purchase options at http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/en-us/howtobuy/default.mspx#vsts-2008-dev-msdn-premium