98-361: Software Development Fundamentals with C#

Learn the foundations of programming in C#, build web and desktop applications, and explore the world of databases. This course is designed around Microsoft’s 98-361 certification syllabus, focusing on C# as the language of choice.

What you’ll learn

• Core programming skills such as decisions, loops, and handling runtime errors
  
  

• The essentials of object-oriented programming: classes, inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism
  
  

• Key concepts in software development: application life cycle, requirements, algorithms, and data structures
  
  

• Web development skills: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, ASP.NET, hosting, and web services
  
  

• Building and managing desktop applications, including console programs, Windows apps, and Windows Services
  
  

• Working with relational databases, understanding queries, and connecting to databases through C# applications

Requirements

• You should know how to operate a computer comfortably. This course is mainly tailored for Windows PC users, though some components such as Visual Studio can also be used on a Mac.
  
  

• You don’t need any prior experience with C#. Everything starts from the basics.
  
  

• No need to worry about tools — we’ll walk through installing Visual Studio Community Edition and SQL Server Express for free.

Course Description

This course provides a structured introduction to programming and software development using C#. It is designed around the syllabus of Microsoft’s 98-361 certification and takes you through every essential topic step by step. Whether you are completely new to coding or you want to refresh your knowledge of the fundamentals, this course gives you the foundation you need to start building applications with confidence.

You will begin with the basics of C# programming. After installing Visual Studio Community Edition for free, you’ll learn how to write your first programs. Topics such as variables, operators, and decision-making structures will be introduced in a simple and practical way. You’ll also work with repetition structures, including for and while loops, and understand how errors occur and how to handle them correctly. By the end of this section, you’ll feel comfortable with the core building blocks of programming.

The course then moves into object-oriented programming, which is at the heart of C#. You will learn about classes, methods, and constructors, and discover how to create structured, reusable code. The concepts of inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation are explained with examples, helping you see how larger applications can be built and maintained effectively.

Next, you’ll explore broader software development concepts. This includes learning about common data structures such as arrays, stacks, queues, and linked lists, as well as sorting algorithms. You’ll also be introduced to the software development life cycle and how to interpret application specifications. This section helps you understand not just how to code, but also how software is designed and managed over time.

The course also covers web applications. You’ll learn the basics of web page creation with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and then move into ASP.NET development. Topics such as web hosting and web services are also introduced, giving you insight into how modern websites and applications are built.

After web development, you’ll turn your attention to desktop applications. You will build on your earlier console programs and expand into Windows applications and Windows Services. These lessons will help you understand how to create software that runs natively on Windows systems.

This course is ideal for anyone curious about programming, students preparing for certification, or professionals who want a structured refresher. No prior knowledge of C# is required—just a willingness to learn and explore the world of software development.

Why take this course?

Starting a journey into software development can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure of where to begin or which language to learn first. This course has been designed to remove that uncertainty by providing a clear and structured pathway into programming using C#, one of the most widely used and versatile languages in the industry.

If you are a complete beginner, this course offers a gentle but thorough introduction. You’ll start with the very basics—understanding variables, decision-making, and loops—and gradually build toward more advanced topics like object-oriented programming, web development, desktop applications, and databases. Each concept is introduced in a straightforward, step-by-step manner so that you can understand not only how things work but also why they are important.

For those who already have some background in programming but feel out of practice, this course serves as an excellent refresher. It revisits the essential fundamentals while also reinforcing the bigger picture of how software is developed and maintained. By progressing through the lessons, you will re-establish your confidence and sharpen your technical skills in preparation for real-world development or the official Microsoft 98-361 exam.

By the end of the course, you will not only be comfortable writing programs in C# but also have gained exposure to multiple areas of software development. You will understand how to create console-based applications, design web pages and simple web applications, work with databases, and even begin developing desktop applications for Windows.

This broad yet practical knowledge will give you the confidence to build small but functional applications on your own. More importantly, it will provide the foundation you need to continue advancing in software development and to pursue certification, career opportunities, or personal projects with assurance.

Course Structure

This course has been carefully designed to follow a natural progression of learning. Each module builds on the one before it, ensuring you gain confidence step by step. You’ll start with the very basics of programming in C#, move into object-oriented design, explore essential software development principles, and then branch out into web, desktop, and database applications. Every section includes explanations, demonstrations, and practice exercises to help reinforce what you’ve learned.

Let’s walk through the curriculum in more detail.

1. Core Programming with C#

Every journey into software development begins with learning the language’s foundation. In this first module, you’ll set up your development tools by installing Visual Studio Community Edition, Microsoft’s free and powerful programming environment. From there, you’ll immediately start writing and running your own code, learning the structure and syntax of C#.

Key topics include:

• Variables and data types: how to store and represent information in a program
  
  

• Operators and expressions: performing calculations and logical comparisons
  
  

• Decision-making structures: using if-else and switch-case to control program flow
  
  

• Looping structures: repeating actions with for, while, and do-while loops
  
  

• Introduction to recursion: solving problems by having functions call themselves
  
  

• Error handling and exceptions: anticipating problems and writing code that responds safely 

This module focuses on building your confidence with coding basics. By the end, you’ll not only understand how to write simple programs but also how logic flows through an application, giving you a strong base for the more advanced topics ahead.

2. Object-Oriented Programming

Once you’re comfortable with the fundamentals, the course introduces object-oriented programming (OOP), the backbone of modern software development with C#. OOP allows developers to organize programs into logical components that can be reused, maintained, and scaled over time.

In this module, you’ll explore:

• Namespaces: keeping code organized and structured
  
  

• Classes: the building blocks of OOP, representing real-world objects
  
  

• Fields, methods, and constructors: how classes store data and define behavior
  
  

• Events and delegates: mechanisms for building responsive, interactive applications
  
  

• Inheritance: reusing functionality by creating hierarchies of classes
  
  

• Polymorphism: writing flexible code that behaves differently depending on context
  
  

• Encapsulation: protecting internal data and exposing only what’s necessary

By mastering these concepts, you’ll learn how to write programs that are not just functional but also professional and maintainable. You’ll understand how to model real-world systems in code and why OOP is the standard approach for modern application development.

3. General Software Development Fundamentals

Programming is more than just writing lines of code—it’s about problem-solving and managing the entire software creation process. This section zooms out to give you the bigger picture of how development works in practice.

Here, you’ll study:

• Algorithms: step-by-step problem-solving techniques and why efficiency matters
  
  

• Data structures: arrays, stacks, queues, and linked lists, each with its own strengths
  
  

• Sorting algorithms: how data can be arranged and retrieved quickly
  
  

• The software development life cycle (SDLC): from planning and building to testing, deployment, and long-term maintenance
  
  

• Application specifications: learning how to read, interpret, and implement requirements

By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear understanding of how software projects are planned and managed in real-world environments. You’ll see why structure, planning, and documentation are just as essential as coding itself.

4. Web Application Fundamentals

Today, almost every developer interacts with the web in some way. This module gives you a solid foundation in web technologies and shows you how they connect to C# development through ASP.NET.

Topics include:

• HTML: creating the basic structure of web pages
  
  

• CSS: styling and formatting to make pages visually appealing
  
  

• JavaScript: adding interactivity and client-side logic
  
  

• ASP.NET: building server-side web applications with C#
  
  

• Web hosting: understanding how applications are deployed to the internet
  
  

• Web services: exploring how applications exchange data and communicate with one another

This section blends front-end and back-end concepts, giving you a complete overview of web development. Even if you don’t aim to become a full-time web developer, these lessons will expand your knowledge and prepare you for building modern, connected applications.

5. Desktop Applications

C# is especially popular for creating desktop applications that run directly on Windows. Building on the console applications you wrote earlier, this section introduces more advanced forms of desktop software.

You’ll learn how to:

• Create Windows Forms applications with interactive user interfaces
  
  

• Design layouts and add controls such as buttons, text fields, and menus
  
  

• Handle user input and application events to make software responsive
  
  

• Build Windows Services that operate in the background and perform tasks continuously

By the time you finish this section, you’ll be comfortable designing both simple and more complex applications that users can install and run on their computers. This is a key step toward developing professional-grade software for business and personal use.

6. Databases and Data Access

Most real-world applications rely on data, which is why learning databases is essential. This module introduces relational databases and shows you how to connect them with your C# programs.

You’ll study:

• Relational database management systems (RDBMS) and how they work
  
  

• Tables, rows, and relationships between data
  
  

• Writing SQL queries with SELECT and its main clauses: WHERE, JOIN, GROUP BY, HAVING, and ORDER BY
  
  

• Using Visual Studio and C# to connect applications to databases
  
  

• Executing queries, retrieving results, and displaying information in your programs

This module ties together everything you’ve learned by showing you how to build applications that store, process, and display real-world information. With these skills, you’ll be ready to create data-driven applications for business, personal projects, or further study.

By following this curriculum, you’ll gain a complete introduction to software development fundamentals with C#. Each section builds on the previous one, guiding you from absolute beginner concepts to practical applications in web, desktop, and database programming.

By the end of the course, you will not only be confident in writing code but also have the broader understanding of how software is designed, built, and maintained in professional environments. These skills will prepare you for real-world projects, personal development, or Microsoft’s 98-361 certification exam.

How you’ll learn

This course is designed to be interactive. You won’t just sit and watch; you’ll be encouraged to write code, try examples, and solve challenges. Each module includes quizzes to help reinforce key concepts and ensure you’re retaining what you’ve learned.

The lessons are structured so that each new concept builds on the previous one, allowing you to grow your knowledge step by step. By the time you reach the end, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve accomplished.

What you’ll achieve

By the end of this course, you will:

• Have a solid understanding of the C# programming language
  
  

• Be familiar with object-oriented principles and how to apply them
  
  

• Understand the basics of web, desktop, and database development
  
  

• Be able to read and write SQL queries and connect them to C# programs
  
  

• Have the confidence to attempt Microsoft’s MTA: Software Development Fundamentals exam

Adding the MTA certification to your CV or resume can be a great way to demonstrate your technical abilities and open up opportunities in software development.

Feedback from learners

Students who have taken the course share their experiences:

• Jo says: "As a software engineer with prior experience, this course was the perfect refresher. It covers all the core topics in a clear, structured way. I’d recommend it to anyone preparing for the certification."
  
  

• Biruk says: "The instructor makes even complex ideas easy to follow. It’s been a fun and insightful learning journey."
  
  

• Darryl says: "This was an excellent course. The explanations are clear, and the level of detail is impressive. Five stars from me."

Who is this course for?

• Complete beginners who want to learn programming using C#
  
  

• Students or professionals looking to prepare for the Microsoft 98-361 certification exam
  
  

• Developers from other languages who want a structured refresher on C# and general software development fundamentals
  
  

• Anyone interested in understanding how desktop, web, and database applications are built

Course Benefits

Enrolling in this course gives you a strong foundation in programming with C# and prepares you for real-world software development as well as Microsoft’s 98-361 certification. Whether you are starting from scratch or brushing up on your skills, you will gain practical knowledge that can be applied immediately.

• Learn programming fundamentals from the ground up, starting with variables, loops, and decision structures
  
  

• Master object-oriented concepts such as classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and encapsulation
  
  

• Understand how to design and manage software through the application life cycle and specifications
  
  

• Gain hands-on experience with essential data structures and algorithms
  
  

• Build confidence in creating both console-based and desktop applications in C#
  
  

• Explore web development with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ASP.NET, plus an introduction to hosting and web services
  
  

• Learn how to connect applications to relational databases and write SQL queries for retrieving and managing data
  
  

• Prepare for the Microsoft 98-361 Software Development Fundamentals certification exam
  
  

• Develop transferable skills that apply across multiple areas of software development: web, desktop, and database applications
  
  

• Build a strong technical foundation that can enhance your resume or open doors to further learning and career opportunities

This course equips you with both the confidence and the skills to move forward in your programming journey.

Enroll Today

If you’ve been thinking about learning programming or preparing for Microsoft’s 98-361 certification, there’s no better time to start than now. This course has been carefully designed to take you from absolute beginner to confident developer, guiding you step by step through C# fundamentals, object-oriented programming, web and desktop development, and working with databases.

You don’t need any prior experience—just a computer and the willingness to learn. With practical examples, regular quizzes, and clear explanations, you’ll gain both knowledge and hands-on skills that you can apply immediately. By the end, you’ll be able to build functional applications, understand how software is developed, and feel prepared to take on new learning opportunities or even sit for the Microsoft 98-361 exam.

Join thousands of students who have already started their journey into software development. Enroll today and take the first step toward building your future in programming.