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Learning C# as a Java Developer

Learning C# as a Java Developer: Key Similarities and Differences

C# and java key similarities and differences

Remote fullstack developer at code-b - kalpesh maru

Kalpesh MaruSoftware Development Engineer

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Table of Contents

Why learn C# as a Java developer?

For Java developers, transitioning to C# is a natural and strategic step. Both languages share strong object-oriented foundations and similar syntax, making the learning process simple. C# continues to rank among the top 10 most used programming languages worldwide, with around 27% of developers using it in their daily work (Source). Expanding into C# broadens your development scope, offering opportunities across web, desktop, mobile, and game development, while strengthening your ability to work across diverse platforms and technologies.

With the evolution of .NET 8, C# has matured into a cross-platform powerhouse, enabling developers to build applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile through .NET MAUI. The ecosystem also powers game development with Unity, modern web apps with Blazor WebAssembly, and cloud native solutions on Azure. For Java developers aiming to stay versatile and future ready, mastering C# is a gateway to innovation, scalability, and broader career growth.

Navigating the similarities and differences

This guide explores how your Java expertise translates effortlessly into C#, highlighting both familiar concepts and modern enhancements. You’ll uncover how C# builds on Java’s strengths while introducing new capabilities for faster, cleaner, and more scalable development.

Key topics covered:

Syntax comparison: See how Java’s syntax aligns with C#, making the transition smooth and intuitive.
Object-oriented paradigm: Understand shared OOP principles and where C# offers greater flexibility.
Memory management: Learn how C#’s garbage collection and value types differ from Java’s model.
Asynchronous programming: Discover how async/await in C# simplifies concurrency compared to Java’s threads and futures.

Getting started with C#

Let's commence with the basics – the "Hello, World!" program.

From the code snippets below, you can see the difference in syntax.

JAVA

 package net.vegard.csharpforjavadevs.structure
		public class Example {
			public static void main(final String args[]) {
				System.out.println("Hello, World!");
			}
    }

C#

using System;
namespace VegardNet.CSharpForJavaDevs.Structure {
    class Example {
        static void Main(string[] args) {
            Console.WriteLine("Hello, World!");
        }
    }
}

Key Takeaways:

In C#, class names and file names don't have to match, unlike Java.
The concept of namespace in C# is equivalent to Java's package.
Unlike Java, C# files don't require a directory structure that matches the namespace.
The using a keyword in C# is similar to Java's import and simplifies referencing classes from a specific namespace.

Embracing classes in C#

Moving on to classes, the backbone of object-oriented programming:

JAVA

package net.vegard.csharpforjavadevs.classes;
public class Student {
    private String name;
    public Student(String name) {
        this.name = name;
    }
    public void setName(String name) {
        this.name = name;
    }
    public String getName() {
        return name;
    }
}

C#

namespace VegardNet.CSharpForJavaDevelopers.Classes
{
       public class Student
    {
           private string name;
           public Student(string name)
              {
                    this.name = name;
               }
           public void SetName(string name)
             {
                this.name = name;
             }
        public string GetName()
            {
                return name;
            }
       }
   }

Key points to remember:

C# constructors resemble Java constructors.
A default constructor is generated by the compiler if the class lacks one.
C# adds the internal modifier, limiting visibility to the same assembly and offering more flexibility in code accessibility.
Inheritance, sealed classes, static, and abstract classes work similarly in both languages.

Navigating Interfaces in C#

Interfaces in C# are quite familiar:

JAVA

package net.vegard.csharpforjavadevs.interfaces;
public interface Reportable {
    void generateReport();
}

namespace VegardNet.CSharpForJavaDevelopers.Interfaces
{
    interface IReportable
    {
        void GenerateReport();
    }
}

Key points:

Interface naming in C# often starts with a capital 'I'.
C# interfaces, like Java, enforce method implementation in classes that implement them.

Integrating Java experience into C#

As a Java developer embarking on the C# journey, your strong foundation in object-oriented programming (OOP) is a valuable asset. C# shares the same OOP principles, allowing you to transition your skills smoothly. Dive into the world of C# classes, inheritance, and encapsulation, leveraging your Java experience to design elegant and maintainable code structures.

Embracing the object-oriented paradigm

Drawing from Java experience, we'll discuss how Java developers can leverage their existing skills and mindset when diving into C#. Embracing the object-oriented paradigm and understanding commonalities will expedite the learning curve.

1. Exception handling

Java's try-catch blocks have a counterpart in C#, but with a few syntactic differences. Explore the nuances of exception handling in C#, understanding the power of try-catch-finally blocks and the versatility of custom exceptions.

Basics of Try-Catch blocks in C#

In C#, the basic structure of a try-catch block is similar to Java:

 try {
    // Code that may throw an exception
} catch (ExceptionType ex) {
    // Handle the exception
}

Here, ExceptionType is the specific type of exception you want to catch. You can catch specific exceptions or use a more general Exception to catch any exception.

Handling multiple exceptions

C# allows you to catch multiple exceptions in a single catch block, which can lead to cleaner and more concise code:

try {
    // Code that may throw different types of exceptions
} catch (ExceptionType1 ex1) {
    // Handle ExceptionType1
} catch (ExceptionType2 ex2) {
    // Handle ExceptionType2
}
// Add more catch blocks for other exception types as needed

The power of finally blocks

One notable difference in C# is the finally block, which ensures that certain code runs regardless of whether an exception is thrown or not. This can be useful for resource cleanup:

try {
    // Code that may throw an exception
} catch (ExceptionType ex) {
    // Handle the exception
} finally {
    // Code that always executes, whether an exception is thrown or not
}

Using custom exceptions

C# allows you to create custom exceptions by deriving from the base Exception class. This enables you to define and throw exceptions tailored to your application's specific needs:

try {
    // Code that may throw a custom exception
    throw new CustomException("This is a custom exception.");
} catch (CustomException customEx) {
    // Handle the custom exception
} catch (Exception ex) {
    // Handle other exceptions
}

Exception filters

C# supports exception filters, allowing you to catch exceptions based on additional conditions. This can be particularly useful for handling specific cases:

try {
    // Code that may throw an exception
} catch (Exception ex) when (ex.Message.Contains("specific")) {
    // Handle exceptions with a specific condition
} catch (Exception ex) {
    // Handle other exceptions
}

Understanding the intricacies of exception handling in C# empowers developers to write resilient and reliable code. Whether catching specific exceptions, utilizing finally blocks for cleanup, or creating custom exceptions, the flexibility of C#'s exception handling mechanisms ensures that your applications gracefully handle unexpected situations.

2. Generics

Generics provide a powerful way to write code that can work with different data types while maintaining type safety. In C#, generics are used extensively, allowing developers to create reusable and type-safe components.

// Generic class in C#

public class GenericClass<T>
{
    public T Value { get; set; }
    public void Display()
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"The value is: {Value}");
    }
}

// Using the generic class

GenericClass<int> intContainer = new GenericClass<int>();
intContainer.Value = 42;
intContainer.Display();
GenericClass<string> stringContainer = new GenericClass<string>();
stringContainer.Value = "Hello, Generics!";
stringContainer.Display();

In the above example, GenericClass can hold values of different types without sacrificing type safety.

3. Lambda expressions

Lambda expressions in C# provide a concise way to represent anonymous methods. They are particularly useful for working with delegates and functional programming concepts.

// Lambda expression in C#

Func<int, int, int> add = (a, b) => a + b;
Console.WriteLine(add(3, 5)); // Outputs 8
List<int> numbers = new List<int> { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 };
// Using lambda expression with LINQ in C#
var evenNumbers = numbers.Where(num => num % 2 == 0);
foreach (var num in evenNumbers)
{
    Console.WriteLine(num);
}

Lambda expressions make the code more concise and expressive, enhancing readability and maintainability.

4. String manipulation

C# shares similarities with Java in string manipulation, making it familiar for Java developers.

// String manipulation in C#

string greeting = "Hello";
string name = "John";

// Concatenation

string message = greeting + ", " + name + "!";
Console.WriteLine(message); // Outputs "Hello, John!"

// String interpolation

string interpolatedMessage = $"{greeting}, {name}!";
Console.WriteLine(interpolatedMessage); // Outputs "Hello, John!"

C# supports various methods for string manipulation, offering flexibility similar to Java.

5. Collections

Both Java and C# provide rich collections frameworks. Here's a comparison:

// Using C#'s List<T>

List<string> fruits = new List<string> { "Apple", "Banana", "Orange" };
// Using Java's ArrayList
// (Java code for comparison purposes)
ArrayList<String> fruits = new ArrayList<>();
fruits.add("Apple");
fruits.add("Banana");
fruits.add("Orange");

While the syntax differs, the fundamental concepts of working with lists remain consistent between Java and C#.

6. Frameworks and Libraries

Comparing Java frameworks with C# counterparts: // C# with Entity Framework (EF) for database access

var users = dbContext.Users.Where(u => u.IsActive).ToList();

// Java with Hibernate for database access

// (Java code for comparison purposes)

List<User> users = session.createQuery("FROM User WHERE isActive = true", User.class).getResultList();Understanding the strengths of C# frameworks like Entity Framework compared to Java's Hibernate helps in making informed choices for different projects.

7. Mini-Projects

Hands-on experience is crucial for mastering a new language. Consider a simple console application that demonstrates interaction with collections:

 class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // C# console application using collections
        List<int> numbers = new List<int> { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 };
        Console.WriteLine("Original Numbers:");
        PrintNumbers(numbers);
        // Add 10 to each number
        numbers = numbers.Select(num => num + 10).ToList();
        Console.WriteLine("\nNumbers after Adding 10:");
        PrintNumbers(numbers);
    }
    static void PrintNumbers(List<int> numbers)
    {
        foreach (var num in numbers)
        {
            Console.Write(num + " ");
        }
        Console.WriteLine();
    }
}

8. Community resources for C# developers

1. Stack overflow:

C# Tag on Stack Overflow: A dedicated space to seek answers to specific C# questions.

Participate in Discussions: Engage in discussions, share your expertise, and learn from the experiences of other developers.

2. GitHub:

Explore C# Projects: Dive into the vast world of C# repositories on GitHub. Explore open-source projects, contribute, and collaborate with the community.

Contribute to Open Source: Contribute to projects, submit pull requests, and learn from the collaborative nature of the open-source community.

3. C# Corner:

C# Corner Website: A comprehensive platform offering tutorials, articles, and forums focused on C# and .NET development.

Webinars and Events: Attend webinars and events organized by C# Corner to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies.

4. Microsoft Learn:

Microsoft Learn - C#: Microsoft's official platform for learning C# and .NET. It provides interactive tutorials, documentation, and hands-on labs.

Certification Paths: Explore certification paths to validate your C# skills and enhance your professional profile.

5. Reddit - r/csharp:

r/csharp Subreddit: A Reddit community dedicated to C# discussions. Share your experiences, ask questions, and stay informed about the latest C# developments.

6. CodeProject:

CodeProject C# Section: An extensive resource for C# articles, tutorials, and code samples. Browse through a variety of topics to deepen your understanding.

7. LinkedIn groups:

C# Developers LinkedIn Group: Join LinkedIn groups focused on C# development. Network with professionals, participate in discussions, and stay connected with industry trends.

8. C# Discord communities:

C# on Discord: Join Discord servers dedicated to C# development. Connect with developers in real-time, ask questions, and share your knowledge.

9. Blogs and Newsletters:

Scott Hanselman's Blog: Scott Hanselman, a prominent figure in the C# and .NET community, regularly shares insightful blog posts.

Subscribe to Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters such as .NET Weekly to receive curated content and stay updated.

10. Meetups and user groups:

Meetup.com: Explore local and virtual C# meetups and user groups. Attend events, meet like-minded developers, and expand your network.

Engaging with these diverse resources not only enriches your learning journey but also connects you with a vibrant and supportive C# community. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, these platforms offer valuable insights, collaboration opportunities, and a sense of camaraderie within the C# ecosystem.

Python V/S JavaScript: Major differences

Modern C# language features that Java devs should know

Modern C# language features for Java developers

C# has evolved quickly, adding features that make coding more expressive, safe, and efficient. For Java developers, learning these updates bridges the gap and highlights how far the .NET ecosystem has advanced.

Nullable reference types (C# 8): Unlike Java, where null safety often relies on conventions or external tools, C# now enforces nullability at compile time, helping developers catch potential NullReferenceException issues early.

Records (C# 9): Similar to Java’s record classes, C# records provide concise syntax for immutable data models. They also support powerful features like value-based equality and the with expression for easy object cloning.

Pattern matching enhancements (C# 9 / 10): C#’s evolving pattern matching allows cleaner, more readable logic. Developers can now match types, properties, and relational patterns directly in expressions, reducing boilerplate if and switch blocks.

Top-Level statements (C# 9): Simplify your entry-point code by removing the need for explicit Main() methods. This makes small programs and demos feel as lightweight as Java’s newer syntax enhancements.

Async streams (IAsyncEnumerable<T>): Simplify working with live data or API streams through asynchronous iteration, offering a cleaner approach, comparable to the async pipe in angular for reactive data handling.

Init-Only properties & with expressions: Introduced in C# 9, these let you create immutable objects with flexibility during initialization, promoting safer and more predictable code structures.

Source generators & global usings: C# 9+ supports metaprogramming through Source Generators, automating repetitive code at compile time. Global usings reduce clutter by eliminating redundant import statements across files.

Cross-Platform reach with .NET 8: C# is no longer confined to Windows. With .NET 8, developers can build for macOS, Linux, mobile (via .NET MAUI), and the web (via Blazor WebAssembly), and even develop games with Unity.

In short, modern C# empowers developers to write cleaner, faster, and safer code while unlocking opportunities across platforms that Java has only recently begun to match.

Conclusion

Learning C# as a Java developer is more than just switching languages; it’s expanding your development horizon. Both share a solid object-oriented programming (OOP) foundation, but C# stands out with its cleaner syntax, advanced asynchronous programming, and modern cross-platform capabilities powered by .NET 8. By mastering these similarities and distinctions, Java developers can effortlessly adapt their existing skills to build everything from enterprise grade apps to cloud-native and game development projects with greater efficiency and versatility.

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