New Features in C# Across Different Versions: A Comprehensive Overview

Explore the evolution of C# and its key features added across different versions. This guide summarizes significant additions in C# 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and later versions, including language enhancements, improved interoperability, and performance optimizations, providing valuable context for C# developers.

New Features in C# Across Different Versions

C# has evolved significantly over the years, with each new version adding powerful features and improvements. This section summarizes the key additions in various C# versions.

C# 2.0

C# 2.0 introduced several important features that enhanced code organization and functionality:

  • Partial Types
  • Iterators
  • Nullable Types
  • Delegate Covariance
  • Delegate Inference
  • Static Classes
  • Method Group Conversions (Delegates)

C# 3.0

C# 3.0 brought significant improvements in language expressiveness and conciseness, heavily influenced by LINQ:

  • Anonymous Types
  • Extension Methods
  • Query Expressions
  • Partial Methods
  • Implicitly Typed Local Variables
  • Object and Collection Initializers
  • Auto-Implemented Properties
  • Lambda Expressions
  • Expression Trees

C# 4.0

C# 4.0 focused on interoperability and improved support for dynamic languages:

  • Dynamic Binding
  • Named and Optional Arguments
  • Generic Covariance and Contravariance
  • Embedded Interop Types ("NoPIA")

C# 5.0

C# 5.0 introduced a major feature for asynchronous programming:

  • Asynchronous Methods (`async`/`await`)
  • Caller Info Attributes

C# 6.0

C# 6.0 added many features enhancing code readability and conciseness:

  • Using Static Directive
  • Exception Filters
  • Await in `catch`/`finally` Blocks
  • Auto Property Initializers
  • Default Values for Getter-Only Properties
  • Expression-Bodied Members
  • Null Propagator
  • String Interpolation
  • Nameof Operator
  • Dictionary Initializer
  • Compiler-as-a-Service (Roslyn)

C# 7.0

C# 7.0 continued the trend of improving developer productivity:

  • Pattern Matching
  • Tuples
  • Deconstruction
  • Local Functions
  • Digit Separator
  • Binary Literals
  • Ref Returns and Locals
  • Expression-Bodied Constructors and Finalizers
  • Expression-Bodied Getters and Setters
  • Out Variables
  • Generalized Async Return Types

C# 7.1

C# 7.1 introduced refinements and small but significant additions:

  • Async Main
  • Default Expressions