Creating a Console application using a Plain-Text Editor and the C 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. Depending upon which version of the .NET Framework that is installed on your system, you may need to change the path above, accordingly.

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Saving the Code

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. Open the Run dialog, by using the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + R
2. Type notepad, then hit Enter
3. Paste the example code below, into Notepad
4. Save the file as ConsoleApp.cs, by going to File → Save As…, then entering ConsoleApp.cs in the ‘File Name’ text field, then selecting All Files as the file-type.
5. Click Save

Compiling the Source Code

1. Open the Run dialog, using +

   Windows Key

   R

2. Enter:

   %WINDIR%\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\csc.exe /t:exe /out:"C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\ConsoleApp.exe" "C:\Users\yourUserName\Documents\ConsoleApp.cs"
   

Now, go back to where you originally saved your ConsoleApp.cs file. You should now see an executable file (ConsoleApp.exe). Double-click ConsoleApp.exe to open it.

That’s it! Your console application has been compiled. An executable file has been created and you now have a working Console app.

using System;

namespace ConsoleApp
{
    class Program
    {
        private static string input = String.Empty;

        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            goto DisplayGreeting;

            DisplayGreeting:
            {
                Console.WriteLine("Hello! What is your name?");

                input = Console.ReadLine();

                if (input.Length >= 1)
                {
                    Console.WriteLine(
                        "Hello, " + 
                        input + 
                        ", enter 'Exit' at any time to exit this app.");

                    goto AwaitFurtherInstruction;
                }
                else
                {
                    goto DisplayGreeting;
                }
            }

            AwaitFurtherInstruction:
            {
                input = Console.ReadLine();

                if(input.ToLower() == "exit")
                {
                    input = String.Empty;

                    Environment.Exit(0);
                }
                else
                {
                    goto AwaitFurtherInstruction;
                }
            }
        }
    }
}