When to use vs traditional Main

Context: Choose top-level statements for simple console apps and learning; use traditional Main for complex applications. This guidance applies to .NET 10.

Choose between top-level statements and traditional Main based on your application’s complexity and purpose.

Use Top-Level Statements When

• Simple console apps: Quick scripts, utilities, demos
• Learning C#: Less confusing for beginners
• Small tools: One-file programs
• Prototyping: Rapid iteration

Use Traditional Main When

• Multiple entry points: Need several Main methods
• Complex initialization: Lots of setup code before app logic
• Team conventions: Existing codebase uses traditional style
• Advanced scenarios: Customizing the entry point signature

Example Comparison

Top-level (good for simple apps):

var config = LoadConfig();
var app = new MyApp(config);
await app.RunAsync();

Traditional (better for complex apps):

public class Program
{
    public static async Task Main(string[] args)
    {
        try
        {
            var config = LoadConfig(args);
            await InitializeLogging(config);
            var app = new MyApp(config);
            await app.RunAsync();
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            Log.Error(ex);
            Environment.Exit(1);
        }
    }
}