C Sharp

C# is a language derived from C. It is one of several C derivatives to add object-oriented features (others include C++ and Objective-C). C# also features strong typing, which doesn't refer to pounding hard on the keyboard; rather, it means that data types are strictly defined and enforced, preventing programmers from sending incompatible data types to functions (or object methods) that are designed for different types. In contrast, regular C is very weakly typed, allowing just about anything to be passed anywhere and relying on the programmer's discipline to keep from sending data that makes no sense.

C# was introduced by Microsoft in conjunction with the .NET application framework, but has since been standardized by ECMA and ISO.

Links

 * Wikipedia article
 * Language spec (Microsoft downloadable HTML)
 * Language spec (hyperlinked)
 * ISO spec (ZIP download; makes you click through license agreement first)
 * C Sharp Yellow Book (free online book)
 * Sharp Regrets: Top 10 Worst C# Features