Basics

.NET Console

Console Output

.NET console output uses Console.WriteLine with formatting.

Introduction to .NET Console

The .NET Console class provides a basic interface for input and output operations in console applications. It is part of the System namespace and offers several methods for interacting with the command line, with Console.WriteLine being one of the most commonly used for outputting text to the console.

Using Console.WriteLine

Console.WriteLine is used to display information on the console. It automatically appends a newline character at the end of each output, ensuring the next output appears on a new line. This method can handle different types of data, including strings, numbers, and more complex data types by converting them to their string representation.

Formatting Output

In addition to basic output, Console.WriteLine supports formatted strings using placeholders. Placeholders are indexed with curly braces and can be replaced with values. This is especially useful when you need to dynamically insert variables into your console output.

Composite Formatting

Composite formatting allows you to format the output string further by specifying format strings within the placeholders. These format strings can define alignment, number formats, and more.

String Interpolation

Introduced in C# 6, string interpolation offers an alternative to composite formatting. It allows embedding expressions directly within string literals using the $ symbol. It improves readability and simplifies the formatting process.

Conclusion

Understanding Console.WriteLine and its formatting capabilities is essential for effective console application development in .NET. Whether you are displaying simple messages or complex data, mastering these techniques will enhance your application's output clarity and professionalism.

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