Features

QuickSharp includes all you need to write, compile and run programs for the Microsoft .NET platform using the C# programming language. It provides a simple but complete integrated development environment (IDE) for Microsoft Windows 7, Vista and XP.

With QuickSharp you can:

  • create source code with the built-in editor featuring syntax colouring, code folding and Visual Studio-style docking windows,
  • get instant lookup of C# class and namespace members using Code Assist,
  • compile programs from within QuickSharp; warnings and errors appear in the output window for instant location within the editor,
  • build EXE and DLL files automatically; no need to configure the compiler target,
  • run programs directly from the editor and capture the output in QuickSharp's Output window or run in a separate window for interactive use,
  • use 'embedded' file options to control compilation and runtime behaviour; run shell-based commands at all stages of the build process to perform related tasks,
  • perform simple file management tasks from the Workspace such as opening, renaming and deleting files and folders,
  • add additional build tool configurations, including Mono and older Microsoft compilers,
  • compile intermediate language and XML resource files from within QuickSharp using the built-in ilasm and resgen integration,
  • use Find in Files to search files in the Workspace,
  • use the Regular Expression Helper to develop regular expressions,
  • explore the .NET Framework with the Object Browser,
  • develop your own features and enhancements using QuickSharp's plugin architecture.

Framework SDK support

QuickSharp is fully functional with the tools provided by the .NET Framework but some additional features can be enabled by installing a version of the .NET Framework SDK. The 'SDK Tools' plugin included with QuickSharp works with any SDK version from 2.0 onwards. It provides integrated access to the IL disassembler (ildasm), Resource File Generator (ResGen) and the framework documentation. By default the plugin is configured to work with the .NET 2.0 SDK which can be downloaded from Microsoft. Later versions will require the tool paths to be updated to the appropriate locations; see the 'SDK Tools' options tab in QuickSharp for more details.

QuickSharp.Core

QuickSharp is completely modular and uses a simple plugin-based architecture provided by the underlying platform, the QuickSharp.Core.

QuickSharp.Core is a minimal .NET application which manages the core features of the QuickSharp IDE; it provides the program skeleton (menu, toolbar, status bar), a docking window framework, registry configuration manager and the application branding. Everything else you see in QuickSharp is provided by plugins.

QuickSharp plugins are easy to write and you can even use QuickSharp itself to develop them. Plugins can do anything from adding a simple shortcut key to providing completely new development features such as support for new languages and development tools.