NetPad

NetPad is an open-source desktop app that provides a C# editor and playground. It allows users to execute C# code instantly without the need to create or manage full projects, making it suitable for prototyping, testing code snippets, and creating utility scripts. The application removes the overhead of project configuration, allowing developers to start coding and see output immediately.

The application is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is distributed in two variants: a stable version built with Electron and a lighter native version built with Tauri that uses fewer system resources. To function, the software requires the .NET SDK version 6 or later, and EF Core tools for those who plan to create and use database connections.

Key features

• Execute C# scripts with per-script .NET SDK version selection
• Query databases using LINQ or SQL with support for Oracle
• Add NuGet packages and reference assemblies from disk
• Export results to Excel or HTML formats
• Integrated IL Viewer and Syntax Tree Visualizer
• Code intelligence via OmniSharp including Intellisense and semantic highlighting
• Vim keybindings and user secrets management
• Command-line interface for running scripts via npad

The backend is built with .NET, while the user interface uses Aurelia 2. The tool is designed for developers who need a lightweight environment to experiment with new C# features, visualize data interactively, or manage administration scripts. It integrates deeply with the Roslyn compiler to provide diagnostics, contextual code folding, and symbol renaming. The editor also supports advanced code intelligence features such as inlay hints, go-to implementation, and find references to assist in navigating complex snippets.

NetPad is a cross-platform utility for C# developers seeking a flexible environment for rapid experimentation and database querying.