Proposal: Simplified Single File C# Execution

[kapilepatel]

Describe the issue or suggestion

Proposal: Simplified Single File C# Execution

Current Situation

In many programming languages like JavaScript, Python, Java, C, C++, and Go, developers can easily run single source files without creating a full project structure. However, in .NET, running a single .cs file requires setting up an entire project with multiple files and configurations.

The Pain Points

• Increased friction for quick experiments
• Overhead for learning and prototyping
• Barrier to entry for newcomers
• Time-consuming setup for simple code snippets

Potential Solutions

1. Global Tool for Single File Execution

• Develop a dotnet global tool that can directly run a .cs file
• Example desired syntax: dotnet run-cs MyScript.cs

2. Language-Level Support

• Introduce a compiler flag or runtime option to execute single files
• Similar to Python's or JavaScript's direct file execution

3. REPL Improvements

• Enhance C# Interactive (csi) to more seamlessly handle standalone files
• Make it more intuitive and feature-rich

Existing Partial Workarounds

• Using dotnet script (community package)
• Mono's C# compiler
• Online REPLs

Questions for Discussion

• What are the technical challenges preventing single file execution?
• Are there architectural reasons for the current project-based approach?
• Would a standardized solution benefit the .NET ecosystem?

Community Impact

• Lower entry barrier for new developers
• Faster prototyping and learning
• Improved developer experience

// Current Painful Path
// Requires creating multiple files, project structure, etc.

/ Desired Simple Execution
// Imagine being able to just run: dotnet run-cs SimpleProgram.cs
//filename SimpleProgram.cs

public class SimpleProgram 
{
    public static void Main()
    {
        Console.WriteLine("Hello, World!");
    }
}