Get Started with F#

You can get started with F# on your machine or online.

Get started on your machine

There are multiple guides on how to install and use F# for the first time on your machine. You can use the following table to help in making a decision:

OS	Prefer Visual Studio	Prefer Visual Studio Code	Prefer command line
Windows	Get started with Visual Studio	Get started with Visual Studio Code	Get started with the .NET CLI
macOS	N/A	Get started with Visual Studio Code	Get started with the .NET CLI
Linux	N/A	Get started with Visual Studio Code	Get started with the .NET CLI

In general, there is no specific way that is better than the rest. We recommend trying all ways to use F# on your machine to see what you like the best!

Tip

If you want to start exploring F# quickly without setting up a project, you can write F# scripts (.fsx files) and run them with dotnet fsi. The Visual Studio Code guide shows how to get started with scripts and the F# Interactive REPL.

Get started online

If you'd rather not install F# and .NET on your machine, you can also get started with F# in the browser:

• Introduction to F# on Binder is a Jupyter notebook hosted via the free Binder service. No sign-up needed!
• The Fable REPL is an interactive, in-browser REPL that uses Fable to translate F# code into JavaScript. Check out the numerous samples that range from F# basics to a fully fledged video game all executing in your browser!