News

C# Spotlight: Earn Cert and Dice Advice

• By David Ramel
• 08/29/2023

Microsoft's venerable C# programming language is in the news this week as the company announced a new foundational certification one day before careers site Dice cited advice to become a C# developer.

The new Foundational C# Certification is offered in collaboration with freeCodeCamp, a charity that creates free learning resources for math, programming and computer science. The course will cover core concepts, syntax and practical application in software development, using hands-on exercises and projects to teach C# fundamentals including variables, data types, control structures and object-oriented programming principles, its site indicates.

By the end of the course, students will have gained the practical skills and knowledge needed to confidently leverage C# for building applications, freeCodeCamp said.

"C# continues to shine as a leading programming language, essential in creating dynamic web applications, Unity games, comprehensive enterprise solutions, and more," said Microsoft in an Aug. 28 announcement. "In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, having tangible proof of your skills and dedication can set you apart.

"Our Foundational C# Certification provides just that -- a testament to the time and effort you've invested in mastering this versatile language. While no certification can guarantee a job, adding this to your portfolio demonstrates your commitment to continuous growth and your proficiency in C#."

Coincidentally, the very next day Dice penned "How to Become a C# Developer," which details how to master the language, starting out with: "The first step is to master the language itself, either through self-study or by taking a course."

Dice also points to official C# documentation as a learning resource, which itself lists a bunch of courses, videos and so on.

"A common question among new developers is, 'Where do I gain experience?' The biggest advice here is to search GitHub for open source projects looking for C# developers. That's where you'll likely find senior C# developers who can assist and mentor you as you master the language," Dice said.

"C# is a fun language to work in. The tools are quite powerful, helping assist you along in your coding. C# has evolved from an early language that resembled Java, and it continues to iterate into a more useful form, so make sure you stay on top of the latest advances. Whenever there's a new version, download it, and learn about the updates. Given its continuing popularity and the sheer amount of legacy code out there, C# is likely to be around for a very long time."

Microsoft, meanwhile, offered up this list of reasons to earn the cert:

• Thorough Knowledge Base: With a 35-hour training course on Microsoft Learn, this certification provides a thorough foundation of C#. From core concepts, syntax to practical software development applications -- it's all here.
• A Credential You Can Showcase: Existing C# developers, here's your chance to bolster your LinkedIn profile. Display your commitment to continuous learning and expertise to potential employers and peers.
• Global and Free: This certification is free and globally available, ensuring every developer across the globe can access and benefit from it.
• A Comprehensive C# Journey: Partnering with freeCodeCamp, a renowned charity with a world-class learning platform, we've developed a certification that truly stands out. By utilizing resources from Microsoft Learn, learners will undergo a thorough training program, capped off by an 80-question exam hosted on freeCodeCamp. Master foundational concepts including variables, data types, control structures, and more.