Getting Started with C# and SparkPost
Mike Hillyer
13 Sept 2017
Getting Started with C# and SparkPost
1 min read
Key Takeaways
SparkPost provides a modern, reliable alternative to traditional SMTP servers for sending transactional emails in C#.
Common C# email libraries like SmtpClient, MailKit, and MimeKit still require SMTP servers—SparkPost replaces that need with a powerful API.
Setting up SparkPost involves creating a developer account, verifying a sending domain, and generating an API key.
With the SparkPost NuGet package, developers can send email in just a few lines of C# code—no server maintenance required.
Cloud-based email delivery ensures better deliverability, speed, and reliability compared to on-premise SMTP setups.
Developers can further simplify their workflow by separating message templates from code using SparkPost’s template storage.
For advanced event handling or serverless automation, Azure Functions can complement SparkPost by processing email-related webhooks.
Q&A Highlights
Why use SparkPost instead of traditional SMTP servers?
Because SparkPost eliminates the need for server setup and management, offering scalable, high-deliverability email delivery with detailed analytics via its API.
What are the prerequisites for sending email with SparkPost in C#?
You’ll need a SparkPost account, a verified sending domain, and an API key. Once configured, you can start sending messages immediately through the SparkPost API.
Which C# libraries are supported?
SparkPost integrates seamlessly through its official SparkPost NuGet package, which simplifies connecting and sending via C#.
How do I send my first test email?
Install the SparkPost NuGet package, add your API key, and use a simple API call in your C# app—your message will appear in your inbox within seconds.
Can I store and reuse email templates?
Yes. SparkPost allows you to pre-store templates so you can separate content from code, making updates easier and reducing the chance of errors in your app logic.
How does SparkPost improve deliverability?
By handling authentication, domain reputation, and optimized routing automatically—ensuring messages reach inboxes faster and more reliably.
Sending email is a very common need for C# applications. Think about some of the use cases almost every app needs to handle: new user welcomes, event notifications, password resets, and so on. These transactional emails are workhorses, and it’s really important that they get to your users. As a C# developer, what’s the best way to get them done?
There’s a Better Way to Send Email in C#
Sending email is a very common need for C# applications. Think about some of the use cases almost every app needs to handle: new user welcomes, event notifications, password resets, and so on. These transactional emails are workhorses, and it’s really important that they get to your users. As a C# developer, what’s the best way to get them done?
There are several C# email libraries out there, including system.net.mail, systems.web.mail. SmtpClient, MailKit, MimeKit, etc., but they all have one thing in common: you need an SMTP server to use them. For building serverless webhook consumers that can handle email-related events, consider Azure Functions as a powerful solution. Even if you have access to a server, it’s probably not tuned to ensure your messages get to your user’s inbox quickly and consistently. Using the SparkPost email delivery service is an easier way. Understanding how email APIs work in cloud infrastructure will help you appreciate why cloud-based email services are more efficient than managing your own SMTP servers.
Let’s give it a try. Here’s how to send a message using SparkPost and C#.
Hello, World! I’m Sending Email with C# and SparkPost
Stay Tuned for More C# Email Tips
You’re well on your way to being a C# email master, thanks to one simple API. You have a working sending domain, you’ve sent your first message, and soon you will conquer the email world!
That said, your journey is not yet complete. Do you really want to have to combine content and design by building your email templates in code? Of course not! Stay tuned and I will show you how to separate the content of the message out of your API call and pre-store the message template, simplifying your code even further.
Till then, sign up for SparkPost, set up your domain, and check out our great API documentation! If you have any other questions around C# and SparkPost, come to the #csharp channel in our community slack.
— Mike
For more advanced C# development scenarios like building webhook consumers and serverless functions, check out our guide on harnessing the power of Azure Functions.
