How to Run C# Scripts in Notepad++ with CS-Script

CS-Script for Notepad++ — Quick Setup GuideCS-Script brings lightweight C# scripting into Notepad++, turning the editor into a convenient environment for writing, running, and debugging C# scripts without the overhead of a full IDE. This guide walks you through installing CS-Script, configuring Notepad++ to run scripts, useful shortcuts and features, and practical tips for everyday scripting.

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What is CS-Script?

CS-Script is a scripting platform that allows you to write and execute C# code as scripts. It supports .csx and .cs files, offers quick compilation and execution, and can integrate with editors such as Notepad++ to provide a nimble scripting workflow for automation, prototyping, and tooling tasks.

Benefits at a glance

• Fast execution of C# scripts without building a full project.
• Integration with Notepad++ for editing comfort and lightweight tooling.
• Access to full .NET APIs and third-party libraries via NuGet or direct assembly references.

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Prerequisites

Before installing CS-Script in Notepad++, make sure you have:

• Windows ⁄₁₁ (or Windows Server) — CS-Script primarily targets Windows environments.
• Notepad++ (latest stable recommended).
• .NET SDK or at least a compatible .NET runtime installed (for modern CS-Script versions, .NET 6/7/8 runtimes are commonly supported).
• Administrative privileges for installing plugins or modifying system PATH (optional but sometimes required).

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Installation steps

1. Install Notepad++
   • Download the latest Notepad++ from the official site and install it. Prefer the installer version for plugin compatibility.
2. Install CS-Script
   • Option A — CS-Script for Notepad++ plugin:
     • Open Notepad++ → Plugins → Plugins Admin.
     • Search for “CS-Script” (or “CSScriptNpp”) and install the plugin. Restart Notepad++ when prompted.
   • Option B — Standalone CS-Script:
     • Download CS-Script from the official project page or via NuGet/chocolatey and follow the install instructions.
3. Confirm CS-Script runtime
   • Open a command prompt and run:

     
     csscript -version 

     You should see the installed CS-Script version. If not found, ensure the CS-Script installation directory is in your PATH.

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Configuring Notepad++ to run C# scripts

After installing the plugin, configure how scripts are run:

• Plugin menu
  • In Notepad++, go to Plugins → CS-Script (or CSScriptNpp).
  • Common options include Run, Debug, Configure, and Script Explorer.
• File association
  • Save your script with a .cs or .csx extension. The plugin recognizes these for execution.
• Execution settings
  • Open the CS-Script configuration from the plugin menu to set:
    • Default runtime (CLR/.NET version).
    • Command-line arguments for script execution.
    • Working directory for scripts.
    • Whether to compile to a temporary assembly or run in-memory.

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Running a first script

1. Create a new file in Notepad++ and save it as Hello.csx (or Hello.cs).
2. Paste a simple script: “`csharp using System;

Console.WriteLine(“Hello from CS-Script in Notepad++!”);

3. Run the script:    - Plugins → CS-Script → Run Script (or press the configured shortcut).    - Output will appear in a console window or in the plugin’s output pane, depending on configuration. --- ### Debugging and breakpoints CS-Script supports lightweight debugging when integrated with supporting tools: - Use the plugin’s Debug option if available — it may attach a debugger or print stack traces on exceptions. - For advanced debugging, run scripts under Visual Studio or VS Code with proper launch configuration, or use command-line flags that produce debug symbols. - Add verbose logging and try/catch blocks to capture runtime details. --- ### Using external assemblies and NuGet packages To use third-party libraries: - Reference assemblies directly in your script:   ```csharp   //css_ref MyLib.dll;   using MyLib; 

• Use NuGet packages (supported by some CS-Script versions) by adding package directives or by restoring packages before running.
• Set the script’s working folder or assembly search paths in the plugin configuration if assemblies live in custom locations.

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Shortcuts, snippets, and templates

Make repetitive tasks faster:

• Create script templates (HelloWorld, File I/O, HTTP client) and save them in a templates folder for quick insertion.
• Map common plugin commands to keyboard shortcuts in Notepad++ via Settings → Shortcut Mapper.
• Use Notepad++ snippets or code-completion plugins alongside CS-Script to speed up writing C# code.

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Common issues and troubleshooting

• “csscript not recognized” — add CS-Script install path to PATH or use full path to csscript.exe.
• Runtime/version mismatches — ensure your installed .NET runtime matches what CS-Script expects; update CS-Script or install appropriate runtimes.
• Assembly load failures — verify paths and use //css_ref directives with correct filenames; adjust plugin assembly search paths.
• Output not visible — check plugin settings for where output is directed (console vs. output pane); ensure console windows are not immediately closing (add Console.ReadLine() to wait).

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Example useful scripts

• File batch renamer (quickly rename files in a folder).
• Log parser (read, filter, and summarize logs with LINQ).
• Quick HTTP tester (send requests and print responses).
• Code-generation script (generate simple C# classes from templates).

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Best practices

• Keep scripts small and single-purpose for easier testing.
• Use version control for scripts (Git) — save .csx files in a repo.
• Add comments and usage instructions at the top of scripts for maintainability.
• Use explicit assembly references and package directives to avoid environment-specific issues.

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Alternatives and complements

If you need a fuller development experience:

• Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code with C# extensions for richer debugging and project management.
• ScriptCS or dotnet-script for alternative C# scripting experiences.

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Quick reference commands

• Run current script: Plugins → CS-Script → Run Script
• Debug current script: Plugins → CS-Script → Debug Script
• Configure settings: Plugins → CS-Script → Configuration

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CS-Script turns Notepad++ into a capable C# scripting environment for quick automation, prototyping, and tooling. With minimal setup you can edit, run, and iterate C# scripts directly from your favorite lightweight editor.