Let's say that your company needs C# (C Sharp) development or ASP.NET development in C#. How can you hire a C# developer with the right skills? If you're trying to develop C# skills internally, what skills will you need to teach your internal C# developer team?
It's probably more than you think.
Today, we're going to take an in-depth look at 12 essential C# programming skills, from basic technical skills to more advanced soft skills.
What is the C# programming language used for?
C# is a versatile object-oriented programming language (OOP) that can be used for developing a wide variety of software solutions that can run on both Linux and Windows operating systems. Whether you want to create desktop applications, web applications, or mobile apps that will run on Android or iOS devices, the C# language is a good choice. It's frequently used in both business web application development and mobile app development—and it's the primary language of quite a few mobile frameworks and web application development kits. Because C# is a general-purpose language, it can really be used for anything. C# also supports the MVC (Module-View-Controller) software architectural pattern. This makes it easier for developers to implement user interfaces.
What are the advantages of C# programming?
Python is another very popular programming language. Why do people choose to use C# instead of Python, Java, or any of the other popular languages? There are many advantages to using C# for software development.
- First, it's a relatively easy language to learn the fundamentals. It does have a bit in common with its predecessors C and C++, which are both incredibly challenging languages. C# was developed specifically to fix several very serious design flaws in C and C++. By learning C# and ASP.NET, you can start branching into other languages.
- Second, it's a powerful and versatile language that can be used for developing a wide variety of software solutions. You can start developing a mobile app right now if you learn C#, whether you want to do it from scratch or use a framework. Speaking of frameworks…
- Third, it has excellent tools and libraries available, making development faster and easier. C# is popular and has a thriving community.
Finally, C# is an open-source language. That means that anyone can contribute to its development and improvement. And you can pop into Github for code whenever you need to.
C# is a great language for interfacing with ASP.NET Core as well.
The language that your organization chooses for web development will usually relate to the framework, platform, or product that you're creating. If you're writing general-purpose code in ASP.NET Core Web Applications, C# is the language for you.
How is C# programming used to build ASP.NET web applications?
ASP.NET is a web application development framework that can be used to build dynamic websites, web services, and web applications. It's written in C# and utilizes the .NET Framework. You can use C# easily with ASP.NET web development. C# is the language that you use, while ASP.NET is the web application framework that you work with. At a high level of abstraction, C# is how you tell the application-layer framework what to do.
What are the 12 general skills every C# programmer should have.
Obviously, a C sharp programmer should know the ins and outs of C# and the .NET framework and tools such as Microsoft Visual Studio. One should also have a bachelor's degree in computer science but there are also general skills that will make C# programming much more effective for a developer. If you intend to make C# your programming focus, these are general programmer skills that you will need:
1) Business Analysis
Being good at C# programming also means being good at understanding the business requirements for your code. This encompasses everything from knowing the specific input and output requirements to understanding how your code will be used in the greater context of the application. What is your code supposed to do? Why is it supposed to do it? The better your understanding, the more applicable the code will be.
2) Good Communication
This is a quintessential soft skill, but it's an important one. C# programming is typically done as part of a team, and good communication skills will make working with others much easier. This includes being able to explain your code clearly and concisely, as well as understanding the code that others have written.
3) Software Project Management Skills
If you're working on a software development team, you'll likely be involved in project management to some extent. This means being able to track the progress of your team's work, as well as coordinating with other teams to ensure that deadlines are met.
4) Good Problem-Solving Skills
A C# programmer needs the ability to translate abstract concepts into working code. This means being able to take a problem and break it down into manageable pieces that can be coded. It also means being able to troubleshoot code when things go wrong. And you need to problem solve outside of coding. What happens if your stakeholders want something you just can't do?
5) User Interface Design Skills
If you're working on code that will have a user interface, you need to be able to design it in a way that is both functional and visually appealing. This requires an understanding of human-computer interaction principles.
6) Time Management
Every C# / ASP.NET developer needs the ability to meet deadlines. This means being able to estimate how long it will take to write code and then deliver on that estimate. It also means being able to prioritize tasks and work on multiple tasks simultaneously. As a programmer becomes more experienced, this becomes second nature. But if you work with an entry-level programmer or an inexperienced team, you may find yourself absolutely blowing past deadlines.
7) Client-Side Technology
A developer should also know HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ReactJS to be able to develop the front end. While C# & ASP.NET are server-side technologies, these client-side technologies (run in the browser, not the server) are used to build the user interface and interactivity for web applications. A good C# programmer should have at least a basic understanding of how these web technologies work.
8) SQL Server
Database design and development are essential to most programs. If you don't know how to use a database, you'll need to. SQL Server is the most popular database platform to use for ASP.NET development. SQL Server has been highly optimized to work efficiently with ASP.NET and C#.
9) Software Debugging Skills
Ever heard of "rubber duck debugging"? It's a technique in which you explain your code line-by-line to an inanimate object. It might sound silly, but it can be really effective in helping you to find bugs in your code. Debugging is an essential skill for any programmer, and C# is no exception.
10) Knowledge of Cloud Technologies
Cloud computing platforms, such as Microsoft Azure Cloud Services and Amazon Web Services (AWS), are becoming more and more popular, and as a C# programmer, you should have at least a basic understanding of how it works. Cloud technologies can be used to host web applications, store data, and more.
11) Application Integration with APIs
If you're working on a web application, chances are you'll need to integrate with at least one API. An API is a set of rules that specify how two applications can communicate with each other. Integration with an API can be a challenge, and it's important to have good problem-solving skills to be able to troubleshoot any problems. Within your industry, you may find that certain APIs are more essential than others. For example, integration with the Salesforce API can create seamless applications that run your business.
12) Knowledge of Third-Party Tool Kits
There are a lot of tool kits available to help with computer programming, and as a C# programmer, you should be familiar with at least some of them. These tool kits can help with anything from user interface design to data storage. One popular third-party toolkit is the Telerik ASP.NET Core UI Component Library, which greatly enhances the UI of an application and reduces the amount of time coding.
Why outsourcing C# Development is beneficial for business software development
That was a lot of skills. Not every programmer or even programming team is going to have all those skills. If you don't want to learn C# development or hire a full-time backend developer, consider outsourcing your C# development entirely to a web software application development company.
There are many benefits to outsourcing C# development:
- You can get started quickly and without a large investment. You don't need to hire internal IT staff or try to train people from within; you can start your development and benefit from increased ROI as soon as possible.
- You can tap into a pool of C# talent from around the world. You don't need to rely on those who are in your local area; instead, you can work with the best C# team for your needs. Frequently, you can also save money by getting the most affordable rates globally.
- You can focus on your core business while leaving the C# development to someone else. Why increase the complexity of your internal business operations and business model if you don't have to?
- You can get a team with a wide range of skills, including those soft skills we talked about earlier.
When you outsource your ASP.NET development to a team, you are essentially getting an extension of your in-house team. The right partner will feel like they are part of your company, not just some vendor. Outsourcing software development can give you more flexibility and scalability, giving you a team that is dedicated to your project, and that will see it through to completion.
There are many reasons to outsource ASP.NET development. These are just a few of the most important benefits.
When you are ready to take your business to the next level, consider outsourcing your C# development. It could be the best decision you ever make for your business.
How to Hire C# Developers
If you've decided to build your dream team of C# software engineers, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
- First, identify the specific skills and experience that you need. Do you need a full-stack developer or someone with more focused skills? Do you need an ASP.NET developer, C# developer, or just someone experienced in ASP.NET and ASP.NET Core? Once you know what you need, you can begin to look for candidates.
- Second, don't be afraid to look outside your local area. With the internet, it's easy to work with software engineers from anywhere in the world. You will find that you can get more bang for your buck by hiring a developer from another country. But be careful. It is better to hire a US-based company that manages offshore teams, so you are protected by American law. That way, you get the lowest price but with US management and oversight.
- Third, take your time. Don't just hire the first person who comes along. Make sure you find someone you can trust and who has the skills you need.
- Finally, don't be afraid to negotiate. You may be able to get a better price if you're willing to haggle. But you could also get a better deal by simply hiring ASP.NET experts who understand your software requirements and can provide complete, all-in-one consulting services for all of your software design and software development efforts.
It can be hard to hire accomplished technical professionals without in-depth technical knowledge of your own by simply creating a job description and a job posting. Think about working with an IT consulting team that has years of experience. An IT consulting firm can identify the talent and skills you need to be successful in your C# project and then build the best custom software development solution for your company.
To discuss outsourcing your C# development for your next big project, or to get answers to any other important questions you might have, please contact Keene Systems today. You can also download our new eBook - Why ASP.NET Development Services Fuels Business Growth - to learn more about this essential topic.
