dotnet introduces developers to the powerful ‘dotnet run file.cs’ command, which streamlines C# scripting and direct code execution, focusing on practical use cases for rapid prototyping and automation.

Simplifying .NET with ‘dotnet run file.cs’

The .NET platform now supports running C# code files directly using the dotnet run file.cs command. This feature removes the need for creating a full project structure, making .NET development accessible for experimentation, educational purposes, automation scripts, and quick utility programs.

Key Benefits

Rapid Prototyping: Instantly test ideas by executing standalone C# files.
Scripting: Use C# for automation and scripting scenarios without project boilerplate.
Educational Use Cases: Beginners can learn and experiment with less setup.
Utility Programs: Create standalone utilities quickly.

Use Cases

Quick one-liners and tryouts
Automation scripts for workflows
Educational tutorials and exercises
Small utilities and tools

Supporting Technologies

.NET 10 — Latest unified and intelligent platform (read more)
.NET Aspire 13 — Cloud-native app orchestration (details)
ASP.NET Core 10 — Modern web development (info)
.NET MAUI 10 — Cross-platform apps (learn more)
C# 14 — More expressive and productive (announcement)
F# 10 — Functional programming advancements (details)
Visual Studio 2026 — Enhanced IDE (release info)

Community and Learning Resources

Conclusion

The dotnet run file.cs command offers a straightforward way to use C#, supporting rapid experimentation and practical scripting, and exemplifies the ongoing evolution of .NET for developer productivity.