C# Console/CLI Interpreter?

Question

I wonder if there is something like a standalone Version of Visual Studios \"Immediate Window\"? Sometimes I just want to test some simple stuff, like \"DateTime.Parse(\"bla

Answer 1

If you're using Mono, there's this:

CsharpRepl

Don Box hacked something very simple up a few years ago too.

Answer 2

Try scriptcs, it's not integrated into the VS IDE but it does let you type and run C# in a script window without the need for a project compiler etc...

Answer 3

I also find that SharpDevelop is so quick and lightweight that it is the easiest way to whip off a quick test project.

Answer 4

As you suggest, PowerShell can do what you want. For example, to test your DateTime.Parse, the following one liner will do the trick:

PS C:\Documents and Settings\Dan> [System.DateTime]::Parse("Blah")
Exception calling "Parse" with "1" argument(s): "The string was not recognized as a valid DateTime. There is a unknown word starting at index 0." At line:1 char:25 + [System.DateTime]::Parse( <<<< "Blah")

PS C:\Documents and Settings\Dan> [System.DateTime]::Parse("1/2/3")

01 February 2003 00:00:00

Note that the above uses the current release of PowerShell (v1.0). The next version of PowerShell will allows you to intermingle C# with PowerShell scripts more directly. To whet your appetite, watch this 7 minute screencast "C# to PowerShell" by Doug Finke. Very impressive!

Answer 5

The Mono project includes an interactive C# shell, this may be just what you're looking for.

http://www.mono-project.com/CsharpRepl