Where to get well designed and coded applications written in C# to learn from them?

Question

I got into log4net code and Nunit. Both of them gave me something to think about and taught me something new. What other aps do you know, with source code open that worth reading their code? Also, what is the best way to get into the code, sure if you cant ask its creator a question?

A little addition, I`d like to have sources read by you and recommended in a way I read this, it is really cool and worth reading, worth digging into the code. Sure it is very helpful to know about codeplex, codeproject and other sites where you can get some code to dig into, but the question is about what do you recommend :-)

Answer 1

Try http://www.codeplex.com/. In my opinion, the best way to get into the code is to download it, run it locally (if possible) and debug through it, by stepping along the code. Refactoring also helps you to understand the code more deeply since you have to reason about it for doing it successfully.

Answer 2

Take a peek at Wikipedia's List of Free Software Programmed in C# which I am sure will hold some gems. The MonoDevelop IDE and programs like F-Spot, I have used, and are of high quality.

Answer 3

You might also want to check out Scott Hanselman's weekly source code discussions.

Instead of just blocks of code he takes time to discuss it in detail.

Answer 4

Have a look at Spring.NET. That's some well-thought out, well-designed code in C#.

Answer 5

If you want to study framework code, obviously the Microsoft framework is relevant. You can look at most of details using Reflector.

Also, the C5 Generic Collection Library is worth a look.

Answer 6

Do you know you can look at the .net source code. Also, you can debug it. You can learn a lot from it.

Ask the reflector genie and it will allow you to see source of most .net apps .