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C# User Input

C# provides various ways to read user input, primarily using the Console class. You can read input as strings, characters, or key presses, making applications interactive.

Key Topics

  • Reading Input as a String
  • Reading Input as an Integer
  • Reading a Single Character
  • Reading Key Presses

1. Reading Input as a String

Console.ReadLine() is the most common way to read user input as a string. It reads the entire input until the user presses Enter.

Example

// Reading user input as a string
Console.WriteLine("Enter your name:");
string name = Console.ReadLine();
Console.WriteLine("Hello, " + name + "!");

Output:

(If user enters "John") Hello, John!

Explanation: The input is stored in the string variable name and printed with a greeting. The input is captured until the Enter key is pressed.

2. Reading Input as an Integer

Console.ReadLine() reads input as a string, but you can convert it to an integer using Convert.ToInt32() or int.Parse().

Example

// Reading input as an integer
Console.WriteLine("Enter your age:");
int age = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());
Console.WriteLine("You are " + age + " years old.");

Output:

(If user enters "25") You are 25 years old.

Explanation: The string input is converted into an integer using Convert.ToInt32() and printed as an integer value.

3. Reading a Single Character

Console.Read() reads a single character and returns its ASCII value. This is useful when you want to capture one key press without needing to press Enter.

Example

// Reading a single character
Console.WriteLine("Press any key to continue...");
int asciiValue = Console.Read();
char key = (char)asciiValue;
Console.WriteLine("You pressed: " + key);
Console.WriteLine("ASCII value: " + asciiValue);

Output:

(If user presses 'A') You pressed: A ASCII value: 65

Explanation: Console.Read() returns the ASCII code of the pressed key, which is then converted to a character and displayed.

4. Reading Key Presses with Console.ReadKey()

Console.ReadKey() reads a single key press and provides more information about the key, such as whether modifier keys (like Shift) were pressed.

Example

// Reading key presses with detailed information
Console.WriteLine("Press a key:");
ConsoleKeyInfo keyInfo = Console.ReadKey();
Console.WriteLine();
Console.WriteLine("You pressed: " + keyInfo.Key);
Console.WriteLine("Key code: " + keyInfo.KeyChar);
Console.WriteLine("Modifiers: " + keyInfo.Modifiers);

Output:

(If user presses Shift + A) You pressed: A Key code: A Modifiers: Shift

Explanation: The ConsoleKeyInfo object captures detailed information about the key press, including the key itself, the key character, and any modifier keys (such as Shift or Ctrl).

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