Exploring .NET Single File Scripts in .NET 10: A Lightweight Alternative to LINQPad for Automation and Quick Coding

In the ever-evolving world of .NET development, Microsoft continues to make strides in simplifying the developer experience. With the .NET 10 previews rolling out in 2025, one standout feature is the introduction of single file scripts—also known as file-based apps. This capability allows you to write and execute C# code in a single .cs file without the overhead of a full project structure, making .NET more approachable for newcomers and scripting tasks. If you’re familiar with LINQPad, a staple tool for .NET programmers focused on quick queries, prototyping, and automation, you might wonder how these single file scripts stack up as a potential LINQPad alternative. In this post, we’ll dive into what .NET single file scripts are, how they work, their integration with tools like Dev Containers in VS Code, and a balanced comparison to LINQPad to help you decide when to use each for your .NET coding needs.

What Are .NET Single File Scripts and Why Do They Matter?

.NET single file scripts build on the top-level statements feature introduced in earlier .NET versions but take it further by eliminating the need for a .csproj file or explicit Main method. Designed to mimic the simplicity of scripting in languages like JavaScript, Python, or Ruby, this feature lowers the barrier for beginners dipping into .NET. You can now prototype ideas, automate tasks, or build small utilities in one file, much like running a Python script.

This is particularly exciting for .NET scripting scenarios, such as console apps, glue code for automation pipelines, or even simple data processing tasks. As .NET 10 matures (with previews available as of October 2025), expect this to gain popularity, especially in DevOps and build environments where quick, reproducible scripts are key. It’s a step toward making .NET a go-to for general-purpose automation, potentially rivaling PowerShell in some workflows.

Getting Started with .NET Single File Scripts in .NET 10 Previews

To try this out, you’ll need the .NET 10 SDK (Preview 7 or later recommended for the latest enhancements). Installation is straightforward via the .NET SDK installer, but for isolated testing without cluttering your machine, Dev Containers in VS Code are a game-changer (more on that later).

Basic Execution

Create a file named hello.cs with this content:

Console.WriteLine("Hello from .NET single file script!");

Run it using (note: the run command is optional):

dotnet run hello.cs

Output? A simple “Hello from .NET single file script!” in your console. No project setup required.

For Linux or macOS users, add a shebang line at the top for direct executability:

#!/usr/bin/env dotnet
Console.WriteLine("Hello from .NET single file script!");

Make it executable with chmod +x hello.cs, then run ./hello.cs. This turns your .cs file into a true script, ideal for automation pipelines.

Advanced Features: Directives for Customization

What makes these scripts powerful are the file-level directives (starting with #:) placed at the top of your .cs file. These act like mini-MSBuild configurations:

  • Referencing NuGet Packages: Use #:package <package_name>@<version> to pull in dependencies. For example: 
    #:package Humanizer@2.14.1
using Humanizer;
Console.WriteLine(123456789.ToWords()); 
// Outputs: "one hundred and twenty-three million four hundred and fifty-six thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine"

    Wildcards like @* or @9.* resolve to the latest matching version.

  • MSBuild Properties: Tweak build settings with #:property <property_name>=<property_value>. For instance, disable default Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation during publish: 
    #:property PublishAot=false
  • SDK Specification: Override the default console SDK with #:sdk <sdk_name>@<version>. For web apps: 
    #:sdk Microsoft.NET.Sdk.Web
var builder = WebApplication.CreateBuilder(args);
var app = builder.Build();
app.MapGet("/", () => "Hello World!");
app.Run();

    Run with dotnet run webapp.cs --urls http://localhost:5000 for a minimal API.

In .NET 10 Preview 6+, you can even publish to a single executable: dotnet publish app.cs. By default, it uses Native AOT for faster startup, but you can opt out as shown above.

Support for Entity Framework Core (EF Core) is seamless—just add #:package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer@10.0.0-preview.7 (matching .NET 10 previews) and define your DbContext in the script for quick CRUD operations.

Limitations and Tradeoffs

This feature is still maturing in .NET 10:

  • Limited to single files only (multi-file support slated for .NET 11).
  • .NET 10 is still preview mode so expect refinements in future releases.
  • Exclusive to the .NET CLI and VS Code (with the C# Dev Kit extension for IntelliSense and debugging)—no Visual Studio support.

Despite these, it’s a solid start for lightweight .NET scripting.

Supercharging Development with Dev Containers in VS Code

One of the slickest ways to experiment with .NET 10 single file scripts is through Dev Containers in Visual Studio Code. These provide isolated, reproducible environments without installing previews on your host machine. VS Code handles setup effortlessly, connecting to services like SQL Server out of the box for EF Core testing.

To get started:

  1. Install the Dev Containers extension in VS Code.
  2. Create a .devcontainer/devcontainer.json in your project folder, specifying the .NET 10 preview image (e.g., from Microsoft’s Docker Hub).
  3. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and select “Reopen in Container.”

This spins up a container with .NET 10, VS Code extensions, and even databases pre-configured. It’s perfect for testing single file scripts involving external systems, ensuring consistency across teams or CI/CD pipelines. The volume of supported integrations (e.g., PostgreSQL, Redis) makes it a must for .NET developers exploring new features like these scripts.

.NET Single File Scripts vs. LINQPad: When to Choose Which?

As a LINQPad enthusiast (and given this site’s focus on LINQPad tutorials and .NET coding tips), it’s natural to compare these scripts to LINQPad, the ultimate .NET programmer’s playground. Both excel at quick .NET scripting, but they serve slightly different niches.

Similarities

  • Quick Prototyping: Both allow single-file C# execution without full projects. LINQPad scripts (.linq files) is a rapid application development tool capable of quickly building console apps, automation scripts, web api’s and even full blown GUI’s using WinForms, WPF and Avalonia.
  • Automation Potential: Single file scripts shine in headless scenarios like build pipelines, similar to running LINQPad scripts via lprun (a free command-line tool—no LINQPad license required).
  • NuGet Support: Easy package references in both.

Key Advantages of .NET Single File Scripts

  • Lightweight and CLI-First: No UI overhead; integrate directly into scripts or pipelines. Great as a PowerShell alternative for .NET-centric automation.
  • Cross-Platform Native: Built into the .NET SDK, with shebang support for Unix-like systems.
  • AOT by Default for Publishing: Faster executables for distributed tools.
  • Approachability for Newcomers: Mirrors other languages, making .NET less intimidating.

In cases where your LINQPad script is a simple console app or automation glue, single file scripts could be a valid, free alternative—especially post-.NET 10 release.

Why Stick with LINQPad?

LINQPad remains superior for interactive .NET coding:

  • Database Integration: Reuses connections for easier CRUD apps with EF Core or LINQ to SQL. Query databases visually with built-in tools.
  • Dump() Method: Instant object visualization—far beyond Console.WriteLine.
  • Headless Execution: lprun runs .linq scripts without the UI, ideal for utilities.
  • Mature Ecosystem: Supports F#, VB, debugging, and a polished UI for complex queries.
  • No Version Lock-In: Works across .NET versions without waiting for previews.

If your workflow involves database-heavy tasks or interactive exploration, LINQPad’s features make it irreplaceable. Plus, it’s been battle-tested for years, while single file scripts are in early stages.

Feature .NET Single File Scripts LINQPad
Setup .NET 10 SDK only Standalone app + free lprun
Execution dotnet run app.cs UI or lprun script.linq
Database Handling Manual EF Core setup Built-in connection reuse
NuGet #:package directive Integrated manager
Platforms Cross-platform CLI Windows + macOS
Maturity Preview in .NET 10 Established since 2007

Ultimately, single file scripts complement LINQPad rather than replace it. Use scripts for pure CLI automation; lean on LINQPad for interactive .NET development.

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Conclusion: A Promising Future for .NET Scripting

.NET single file scripts in .NET 10 are a welcome addition, bridging the gap between .NET and scripting languages while offering a fresh LINQPad alternative for certain use cases. Paired with Dev Containers for easy setup and EF Core for data tasks, they’re poised to grow in popularity for automation and quick hacks. However, for comprehensive .NET coding with a focus on LINQ and databases, LINQPad’s depth keeps it at the top.

If you’re optimizing your .NET workflow, experiment with .NET 10 previews today—download from the official .NET site and share your thoughts in the comments. Stay tuned to learninglinqpad.com for more LINQPad tips, .NET tutorials, and SEO-friendly guides to boost your coding skills!

Want to practice these concepts hands-on? Try LINQPad—it’s the fastest way to experiment with code, test database queries, and build your confidence for interviews. For more in-depth learning, check out our LINQPad Fundamentals course.

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