How do you compile code from notepad?

Nathan Revka

If it is difficult, then is there a portable compiler that I can use?

Pete OHanlon

You compile it from the command line using csc.exe.

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Christian Graus

The C# Express Edition is free. So is SharpDevelop.

Christian Graus Driven to the arms of OSX by Vista. Read my blog to find out how I've worked around bugs in Microsoft tools and frameworks.

PIEBALDconsult

It's not difficult and more developers should learn to do it; it's a very useful tool to have. When you install .net, the C# and VB.net compilers are installed as well (these are the same compilers that Visual Studio uses). 0. Open a DOS box; there are at least two ways to do this: Start|Run cmd Start|Programs|Accesories|Command prompt Because I use a DOS box extensively I have it on my Quick launch toolbar 1. Determine which versions of the compiler you have:

C:\>dir /s /b "c:\windows\microsoft.net\framework\csc.exe
c:\windows\microsoft.net\framework\v1.1.4322\csc.exe
c:\windows\microsoft.net\framework\v2.0.50727\csc.exe
c:\windows\microsoft.net\framework\v3.5\csc.exe

C:\>

2. Execute the compiler of your choice, specifying your source code as a parameter:

C:\>c:\windows\microsoft.net\framework\v3.5\csc.exe Hello.cs
Microsoft (R) Visual C# 2008 Compiler version 3.5.30729.1
for Microsoft (R) .NET Framework version 3.5
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\>

3. Execute the program:

C:\>hello
Hello, world!

C:\>

4. If you do this frequently, you may want to write a BAT file to do this:

C:\>type csc.bat
@c:\windows\microsoft.net\framework\v3.5\csc.exe %*

C:\>

PIEBALDconsult

And xacc.IDE

Natural_Demon

don't do it with notepad. use the express version, microsoft intellisense is realy powerfull tool. it helps you write code while you type it. if you have coding experience with visual studio, please ignore this message. but if you haven't, i couldn't imagen to memorize or search for all the properties a component/control or whatever has.

Bad = knowing 2 much

darkelv

Use EditPlus? You will still need the CSC.exe (Visual Studio) installed.

dan sh

Doesn't csc.exe comes with the framework and not Visual Studio?

It's not necessary to be so stupid, either, but people manage it. - Christian Graus, 2009 AD

Lost User

Why make life difficult for yourself? Get a copy of C# 2008 Express from Microsoft; it's a superb product and it is free. And if you still want to use Notepad and command line compile then check out the C# compiler pages on MSDN.