What is the difference between Write() and WriteLine() methods in C#?

The difference between Write() and WriteLine() methods in C# is based on the new line character. Both methods are used to display output to the console, but they handle line termination differently.

Write() method displays the output but does not provide a new line character, so subsequent output appears on the same line. WriteLine() method displays the output and automatically adds a new line character at the end, moving the cursor to the next line for subsequent output.

Syntax

Following is the syntax for Write() method −

Console.Write(value);
Console.Write("text");

Following is the syntax for WriteLine() method −

Console.WriteLine(value);
Console.WriteLine("text");

Using Write() Method

The Write() method outputs text without adding a line break, keeping all output on the same line −

Example

using System;

class Program {
    static void Main() {
        Console.Write("Hello");
        Console.Write(" ");
        Console.Write("World");
        Console.Write("!");
    }
}

The output of the above code is −

Hello World!

Using WriteLine() Method

The WriteLine() method outputs text and automatically moves to the next line −

Example

using System;

class Program {
    static void Main() {
        Console.WriteLine("First line");
        Console.WriteLine("Second line");
        Console.WriteLine("Third line");
    }
}

The output of the above code is −

First line
Second line
Third line

Comparison of Write() and WriteLine()

This example demonstrates the key difference between both methods −

Example

using System;

class Program {
    static void Main() {
        Console.Write("One");
        Console.Write("Two");
        
        // this will set a new line for the next output
        Console.WriteLine("Three");
        Console.WriteLine("Four");
        
        // mixing both methods
        Console.Write("Start ");
        Console.WriteLine("End");
        Console.Write("Next");
    }
}

The output of the above code is −

OneTwoThree
Four
Start End
Next

Comparison Table

Conclusion

The Write() method outputs text without line breaks, while WriteLine() automatically adds a new line after the output. Choose Write() when you want to build output on the same line, and WriteLine() when you want each output on a separate line.