DotNetFiddle Guide: Run & Share C# Code Online Easily

Have you ever needed to quickly test a snippet of C# code but didn’t want to go through the hassle of setting up a full project? Or maybe you wanted to share code with a colleague instantly? DotNetFiddle is your go-to online tool for writing, running, and sharing C# code right from your browser. No installations, no setup—just pure coding. Let’s explore how you can make the most out of it.

What is DotNetFiddle?

If you’ve ever wanted to test C# code quickly without setting up a full development environment, DotNetFiddle is the perfect solution. It is an online IDE that lets you write, compile, and run C# code directly in your browser. Think of it as the C# equivalent of JSFiddle, ideal for rapid prototyping, testing, and sharing code snippets.

DotNetFiddle supports:

• Console applications (for basic C# scripts)
• Web applications (using ASP.NET)
• NUnit tests (for writing and testing unit tests online)
• MVC applications (for simple web app development)

Now, let’s dive into how you can use it efficiently.

Getting Started with DotNetFiddle

To start using DotNetFiddle, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the DotNetFiddle website: https://dotnetfiddle.net/
2. Choose a project type: Select one of the available options—Console, Web, NUnit, or MVC.
3. Start coding: The interface provides an editor window where you can write your C# code.
4. Run the code: Click the “Run” button to compile and execute your code.

Writing and Running Code

The interface consists of three main sections:

1. Editor – Where you write your code.
2. Output Panel – Displays the results when you run the program.
3. References – Manage NuGet packages and external libraries.

Here’s a simple example to get started:

using System;

public class Program
{
    public static void Main()
    {
        Console.WriteLine("Hello, DotNet Fiddle!");
    }
}

Click “Run,” and you should see Hello, DotNet Fiddle! in the output panel.

Managing NuGet Packages

DotNetFiddle allows you to include NuGet packages easily. Here’s how:

1. Click on the “References” tab on the right side of the editor.
2. Type the name of the package you want to add.
3. Select the package and version, then click “Add”.

For example, to use Newtonsoft.Json, add the package and modify your code:

using System;
using Newtonsoft.Json;

public class Program
{
    public static void Main()
    {
        var person = new { Name = "Alex", Age = 39 };
        string json = JsonConvert.SerializeObject(person);
        Console.WriteLine(json);
    }
}

Sharing and Collaboration

DotNetFiddle makes sharing code easy. Simply:

• Click the “Share” button at the top.
• Copy the generated link and send it to others.
• Anyone with the link can view or modify the code (depending on permissions).

This is great for:

• Sharing code in forums or discussions.
• Collaborating in real time.
• Demonstrating coding problems quickly.

Saving Snippets

If you create useful code snippets, you can save them for future use:

1. Click “Save” after writing your code.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Retrieve saved snippets anytime from your profile.

This is useful for keeping a library of reusable code blocks.

Tips and Tricks

To enhance your experience with DotNetFiddle, consider these tips:

• Use keyboard shortcuts:
  • Ctrl + S to save
  • Ctrl + Enter to run the code
• Enable Auto-Compile: Great for catching syntax errors as you type.
• Switch .NET versions: Select a different .NET version from the dropdown at the top.
• Fork public snippets: Modify existing shared code snippets instead of starting from scratch.

FAQ

Conclusion: Mastering DotNetFiddle for Quick C# Prototyping

DotNetFiddle is an invaluable tool for developers looking to test, share, and prototype C# code effortlessly. With its easy-to-use interface, NuGet package management, and collaboration features, it’s perfect for beginners and experienced developers alike.

So why not give it a try today? Open DotNetFiddle, write some code, and see how it can simplify your workflow. Have a cool snippet or an interesting use case? Drop it in the comments and let’s discuss!