Edit C# without braces, without changing your project

Many young programmers, accustomed to Python's clean syntax, find C#'s need for braces and semicolons distracting. Veteran coder found relief with ICS — Indented C#, an editor extension that allows programmers to work with an indented view of C# code without altering their project files. The project remains with standard .cs files, and the compiler, Git, and teammates continue to see C# code using traditional braces and semicolons.

The extension can be installed from the Visual Studio Marketplace, and a converter is included to work the first time it is used.

An ICS view appears alongside the existing C# code when a file is opened. For instance, an Invoice.cs file, with a Total method, is displayed in ICS format with indentation showing the structure of the class and method bodies without visual markers. Any changes made in the ICS pane are instantly reflected in the conventional C# view, and vice versa, providing an easy way to see the relationship between edited code and its impact on the project.

To save the edited code, users must manually save the preview with Ctrl+S, which then updates the original .cs file. The ICS view itself does not create a separate .ics file. Standalone ICS export is available as an optional workflow. The extension respects the structure of the code, so rearranging statements in the indentation view adjusts the structure in the conventional C# view. The extension is free, but a Pro version offers additional automation features.

Users are encouraged to try editing one file in an existing project and share their experience on how the indented view affects their understanding of the code.