Now that .NET 5 and C# are installed on our machines, we'll install dotnet script.

dotnet script

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As mentioned in Welcome to C#, C# is a compiled language. In order to experiment with C#, we'll need a tool called a REPL, which stands for read-evaluate-print-loop. This allows us to run code a line at a time. This way we can practice, test, experiment, and have fun with C#.

We'll install and use a REPL called dotnet script.

Installation

We can install dotnet script with the following terminal command:

$ dotnet tool install -g dotnet-script

Note that .NET 5 needs to be installed for this command to work. If you just installed .NET 5, restart the terminal. Otherwise, you will not be able to run dotnet commands.

Configuration

Next, configure your bash or zsh environment variables to find the location of dotnet script. In the command line enter the following:

For bash users:

$ echo 'export PATH=$PATH:~/.dotnet/tools' >> ~/.bash_profile

For zsh users:

$ echo 'export PATH=$PATH:~/.dotnet/tools' >> ~/.zshrc

Start the REPL

Now you can run the REPL! Enter $ dotnet-script in the command line and a prompt will open:

>

To try the REPL feature, enter:

> string hello = "hello world";

and then call the variable:

hello

To exit the REPL press Ctrl + C.