What are the similarities and differences between Java Annotations and C# Attributes?

Question

I have a Java library I\'m considering porting to C#. The Java library makes extensive use of annotations (at both build time and run time.)

I\'ve never used C# att

Answer 1

Following up to what Jon said...

Both Java 5 and Java 6 allow metaprogramming. Java 5 uses a separate apt tool; Java 6 integrates it into the compiler. (Though the Java 5 apt is still available in Java 6)

Unfortunately each uses a different API.

I'm currently using the Java 5 API for my Bean annotations

See http://code.google.com/p/javadude/wiki/Annotations for an example (NOTE: I'm currently making some major updates, some of which change the API.)

Very cool stuff... -- Scott