C# vs Py - Code Structure

The most obvious difference is how they define code blocks.

• Python uses indentation(4 spaces/tab)

• C# uses curly braces {}

This is why Python always looks much cleaner and easier to read.

You'll also notice that C# ends statements with a semi-colon (;), while Python doesn't need anything in the end.

💡 Notice that comments use different symbols. Python needs #, while C# uses //

C# vs Py - Variables

In python we just create a variable name and assign a value. The Type is handled by python runtime.

But in C#, every time you create a variable, you have to define its type before the variable name. This is called type-hinting. IT helps IDE to analyze your code and provides better debugging.

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C# vs Py - Logical Statements

The logical statement are very similar.

Python uses colon (:) to start a code blocks, while C# just needs curly-braces ({}) and semi-colons(;).

Also in Python elif is same as else if in C#

Example:

P.S.

You might've also noticed that in C# they use Console.WriteLine instead of print function.

C# vs Py - Loops

Python and C# both have for-loops and while-loops, but the syntax is a little different especially if you want to use range.

To define range in C# you need to define start/end with their types and specify that you increment i++, it's like using += in Python.

C# vs Py - Function

First let's have a look at functions that do not return anything.

In python we just use def keyword and write our function.

In C# we need to use void keyword before the function name which means that Function doesn't return anything.

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When function returns something, in C# we declare the Type of returned object before the name of the function.
(e.g. Wall CreateWallFunction() )

Also you have to define Types of all parameters in your function before their names. In C# everything is always type-hinted to keep track of what types are necessary.

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In Python, it's all optional. Usually we explain what we need and what's returned in the doc-string. But we also have an option to provide type-hinting of parameters and returned value. It's a great habit, but beginners often don't even know it's possible.

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C# vs Py - Class

Classes are simple. Once you know the difference in functions, the same logic applies to Class and methods.

The only difference is that there is no need to use first parameter - self in your methods. C# already includes it by default and uses word this to refer to itself.

C# vs Py - Inheritance

As you know in programming we can inherit classes and build new ones based on that. That's like using Template in Revit…

The main difference is the syntax. In C# they use colon after the class name and specify class to inherit from. In python we use parenthesis to do that.

C# vs Py - Error Handling

Next, let's have a look how to handle errors, and you will see that they are very similar. The biggest difference is that C# uses keyword catch instead of except.

The rest is pretty much the same with the usual syntax differences.

C# vs Py - Context Managers

As you know in programming we have a concept called Context Manager.

It allows you to create a separate code block that includes additional functionality before/after the code you write.

The most common example is reading files (with open() as f...). It makes sure that your file is closed safely after you read/write something inside files.

Python uses - with keyword
C# uses - using keyword

Here is an example:

C# vs Py - Error Handling

Next, let's have a look how to handle errors, and you will see that they are very similar. The biggest difference is that C# uses keyword catch instead of except.

The rest is pretty much the same with the usual syntax differences.

C# vs Py - Conclusion

Overall once you know the key differences it's very easy to translate C# code into Python.

However, keep in mind that they do not share the same built-in functions and therefore sometimes it might be a bit trickier to translate certain functionality.

But with the help of Chat GPT it's easier than ever and takes just a few seconds.

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C# vs Py - Example

Let me show you an example of how to turn C# into python.

In many cases you just need to get rid of C# extra syntax and then it becomes python. Here is an example from RVTDocs:

I've just removed type-hinting, semi-colons, curly-braces, new keyword, made booleans capitalized and added def keyword, changed comments symbol and now it's a proper python code.

Here is another one:

Just drop a few C# examples into ChatGPT and ask it to point out the differences. It will make it so much easier to look at C# code after that.

P.S.

Want to learn more?

There is a whole module on how to read and understand Revit API documentation inside LearnRevitAPI Course. This is what a lot of my students asked me to create and they enjoy it a lot.

I go really in depth and show explain in videos how to read and translate C# into Python. After this module it doesn't matter that docs do not include Python snippet, you'll be able to translate them yourself.

​Click Here to get instant access to the most comprehensive Revit API Training for python coders.