I need help!

Question

I need help! I am starting to learn C# and need assistance with knowing what systems are required for: lesson-by-lesson continued learning and proof of knowledge in the hope of a test of full knowledge.
Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

For starters, you need a system to write, run, and debug your code. Microsoft provides two main paths depending on your operating system:

• For a comprehensive, heavy-duty setup on Windows, download the Visual Studio Community Edition.
• If you prefer a lightweight, cross-platform code editor, use Visual Studio Code. Once it is installed, add the official extension by looking up the C# Dev Kit in the marketplace.
• To ensure your system can compile and build your programs, you can download the core engine from the official .NET SDK Download Page.

Next, to begin your structured, day-to-day training, jump right into the browser-interactive modules starting at the Microsoft Learn C# Part 1 Learning Path and Microsoft Learn C# Part 2 Learning Path

For the full learning guide, refer to https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/collections/yz26f8y64n7k07

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hth

Marcin

Answer 2

Start with Microsoft Learn’s beginner C# path using only a browser, then install the .NET SDK and Visual Studio Code for project-based lessons and complete the C# Applied Skills assessment for Microsoft-verified proof of your ability.

1. Begin with no software installation

Create or sign in to a Microsoft Learn account so completed modules and assessments can be recorded on your profile.

Start with Write your first code using C# (Get started with C#, Part 1). It has no prerequisites and covers syntax, variables, numeric operations, decision logic, and beginner projects.^1^

The first module includes interactive exercises, a challenge, and a module assessment. Passing the assessment adds a pass designation to your Learn profile.^2^

Your first program will be as simple as:

Console.Write("What is your name? ");
string? name = Console.ReadLine();

Console.WriteLine($"Welcome to C#, {name}!");

At this stage, the browser-based exercises are sufficient.

2. Set up a local development system

For the broader Build .NET applications with C# path, install:

1. .NET SDK — supplies the compiler, runtime, and dotnet command.
2. Visual Studio Code.
3. C# extension for Visual Studio Code.

These are the listed prerequisites for the six-module beginner path.^3^

After installation, verify the environment from a terminal:

dotnet --version
dotnet new console -n FirstApp
cd FirstApp
dotnet run

The expected result is a .NET version from the first command and a running console application from the last command.

The path then teaches:

• How .NET works
• Projects and NuGet package dependencies
• Debugging with breakpoints
• Files and directories
• Building an ASP.NET Core web API

The debugging module specifically teaches stepping through code, inspecting program state, and using logging and tracing.^4^

3. Continue lesson by lesson

A practical sequence is:

1. Complete Get started with C#, Part 1.
2. Continue through the later “Get started with C#” learning paths shown by Microsoft Learn.
3. Complete each exercise without copying the supplied answer first.
4. Take each module assessment while signed in.
5. Complete guided and challenge projects independently.
6. Move to Build .NET applications with C#.
7. Choose a specialization:
   • Web development: ASP.NET Core
   • General application development: .NET console and library projects
   • Data handling: collections, records, generics, dates, and times

For example, the variable-data path expects basic knowledge of variables, conditional statements, arrays, foreach, and running C# in Visual Studio Code. It adds casting, string manipulation, array operations, and a challenge project.^5^

Once you can create methods and projects, add automated testing. Microsoft’s C# testing module covers test projects, Test Explorer, debugging tests, data-driven testing, assertions, and mocking; it requires Visual Studio rather than only Visual Studio Code.^6^

4. Record and prove your knowledge

There are three different levels of evidence:

Module and learning-path achievements

• Complete assessments while signed in.
• Passed modules and achievements appear on your Microsoft Learn profile.
• These achievements can demonstrate continued study, but completing an individual module does not create a downloadable Microsoft Certification certificate.^7^

Microsoft Applied Skills credential

Microsoft currently offers the beginner credential Get started with classes, properties, and methods in C#. It validates the ability to develop C# classes with properties and methods. Candidates should first have basic C# programming and Visual Studio Code experience.^8^

Use this as your formal assessment target after completing the beginner paths and practicing classes, methods, and properties.

Foundational C# Certification

Microsoft’s C# documentation currently references a Foundational C# Certification, but the learning material associates it with freeCodeCamp rather than presenting it as a standard Microsoft Certified exam in Microsoft’s credentials catalog.^9^ Microsoft separates its credential offerings into certifications and Applied Skills.^10^

For a Microsoft-verified C# credential, the C# Applied Skills assessment is therefore the clearest current target. Also retain a portfolio containing several independently written programs and their tests; that demonstrates practical knowledge beyond completion records.

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References

1. Write your first code using C# (Get started with C#, Part 1) - Training
2. Write your first C# code - Training
3. Build .NET applications with C# - Training
4. Interactively Debug .NET Apps with the Visual Studio Code Debugger - Training
5. Work with variable data in C# console applications (Get started with C#, Part 4) - Training
6. C# testing in Visual Studio - Training
7. How many modules until I complete a course - Microsoft Q&A
8. Microsoft Applied Skills: Get started with classes, properties, and methods in C# - Applied Skills
9. C# Guide - .NET managed language - C# | Microsoft Learn
10. Professional and Technical Credentials and Certifications