Microsoft's .NET platform is a game-changer for modern developers. It delivers a versatile, comprehensive framework for building applications across a wide array of solutions, including line-of-business tools, high-performance games, and large-scale distributed systems.

C# is an object-oriented programming language designed for creating robust applications for the Microsoft Windows platform. It is a powerful and versatile language that is suitable for a wide range of development needs. With C#, developers can quickly and easily create Windows applications with advanced graphics, animation, and data access capabilities. It also makes it easier to create games and other interactive applications for Windows systems.

The .NET Framework is a software platform first released by Microsoft in 2002. The basis of this platform is the Common Language Runtime (CLR), which can perform both normal programs and server-based Web applications. The .NET Framework supports the creation of programs written in different programming languages, and it is necessary for system itself and the installation and correct operation of many programs developed based on it.

For learning or formal development of C#, there are only two best IDE for choice at present: either the 10+ GB size of Visual Studio or SharpDevelop with only 10+ MB file size. The latter is an open-source IDE with layout similar to IDEA for Java and high flexibility & extensibility, which lets a user find everything new and fresh. It never wants to be an IDE that tries to support everything as Eclipse. Instead, it just gives you an interface, and you can do all the rest by yourself.

As a ground-breaking and innovative technology on the Microsoft .NET software development platform, LINQ (Language-Integrated Query) set up an efficient bridge between object-oriented programming languages and various data sources, which greatly reduces the complexity of software development.