.NET Classes

Understanding .NET Classes

In .NET, a class is a blueprint for creating objects. It defines a data structure by encapsulating data and functionality together. Classes are fundamental to object-oriented programming (OOP) in .NET, allowing for code reuse and modularity.

Classes contain properties and methods which represent the data and behavior of the objects created from the class, respectively.

Defining a Class in .NET

To define a class in .NET, you use the class keyword followed by the class name. Inside the class, you can define properties and methods that make up the class's functionality. Here's a simple example:

Properties in .NET Classes

Properties in a class are used to define the characteristics of the object. They are similar to fields but provide a flexible mechanism to read, write, or compute the values of private fields. Properties can include logic for validation, transformation, and more.

The example above shows properties such as Make, Model, and Year. These properties are equipped with both get and set accessors, allowing them to be read and modified.

Methods in .NET Classes

Methods define the actions or behavior that an object can perform. They can take parameters, perform operations, and return values. In the Car class example, the method DisplayInfo prints the car's details to the console.

Methods are essential for defining the functionality of a class and interacting with its properties.

Creating and Using Objects in .NET

Once a class is defined, you can create objects (instances) of that class. Each object has its own set of property values, and you can call its methods to perform actions. Here's how you can create an object from the Car class and use it:

Conclusion

Understanding classes in .NET is crucial for building robust and scalable applications. By encapsulating data and behavior within classes, you can create objects that model real-world entities and their interactions. With this understanding, you're better equipped to explore more advanced topics, such as inheritance and interfaces, in .NET programming.