Creating a Console Application using a Plain-Text Editor and the C# Compiler (csc.exe)

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.

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).

Open the Run dialog, by using the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + R
Type notepad, then hit Enter
Paste the example code below, into Notepad
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.
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;
                }
            }
        }
    }
}