C# Console Color Codes

In C#, changing the console text color can make the output clearer and more engaging. The Console class provides two properties, Console.ForegroundColor and Console.BackgroundColor, that allow you to modify text and background colors using ConsoleColor enumeration values. This article explores how to use these color codes to enhance your console applications.

ConsoleColor Enumeration

The ConsoleColor enumeration defines 16 different colors:

• Black
• DarkBlue
• DarkGreen
• DarkCyan
• DarkRed
• DarkMagenta
• DarkYellow
• Gray
• DarkGray
• Blue
• Green
• Cyan
• Red
• Magenta
• Yellow
• White

Example: Changing Console Text and Background Colors

Using Foreground and Background Colors

using System;

public class ConsoleColorCodesExample
{
    public static void Main()
    {
        // Set text color to Green
        Console.ForegroundColor = ConsoleColor.Green;
        Console.WriteLine("This text is green!");

        // Set text color to Red
        Console.ForegroundColor = ConsoleColor.Red;
        Console.WriteLine("This text is red!");

        // Set background color to Blue and text color to Yellow
        Console.BackgroundColor = ConsoleColor.Blue;
        Console.ForegroundColor = ConsoleColor.Yellow;
        Console.WriteLine("Yellow text on a blue background!");

        // Reset to default console colors
        Console.ResetColor();
        Console.WriteLine("Back to default colors.");
    }
}

Key Tips and Best Practices

• Contrast: Ensure that the text color contrasts well with the background for good readability.
• Reset Colors: Use Console.ResetColor() to restore the default console colors and avoid unintended changes.
• Conditional Coloring: Use different colors for various message types (e.g., errors in red, information in green).

Conclusion

Using color codes in C# console applications can improve the readability and organization of your output. By leveraging the Console.ForegroundColor and Console.BackgroundColor properties, you can apply these color codes effectively.