free c# ide?

[sagey]

In my current job i use vs.net to code c# programs. Unfortunately i am starting a new job soon. which won't involve .net. But i want to keep programming .net in my own time. Are there any free or extremely cheap development environments i can use?

i've seen c# builder on the borland website. is that an option or is it severely handicapped?

[Pirate]

Borland C# Builder is as good as MS's . The other option is the free IDE : http://www.icsharpcode.net/

[JAtkinson]

SharpDevelop (#Develop) just came out with a newer version that includes setup projects, C# and VB.net. I really like it, although I use VS.net 2003 normally.

[wossname]

I despise SharpDevelop. It crashes every time I use it, it takes about 300 years to load and takes up loads of ram, AVOID.

[kleptos]

I run SharpDevelop on a P2 300mhz with 128 mb of ram and it works great. I dont know what problems your having, but maybe there is something else wrong besides the program.

[Pirate]

If you realize it's free , then you guys would stop hating it...

[Genie]

Is the actual .NET development SDK from Microsoft also free.

i.e. can I get the free .NET SDK from MS, and together with one of these free development environments and fully develop in C# .NET.

AND, if thats the case, anyone know if I can also add a free .NET compact framework development SDK too (for pocket pc development) ?

[dj4uk]

The .net SDK is free for download from Microsoft. You can write C# programs in notepad and compile at command line without any other software if you really want to (i.e. You like pain).

If you want an IDE then first install the SDK and then whichever IDE you choose - I also think SharpDevelop is great for a freebie and haven't had problems with crashing.

Either way you can create full C# programs without spending a penny (or dime depending which side of the Atlantic)!

DJ