.NET Guidebook

Functions

.NET Generic Methods

Generic Methods

.NET generic methods use <T> for type-safe polymorphism.

Introduction to Generic Methods

Generic methods in .NET allow you to create methods with a placeholder for the data type. This means you can write a method that can operate on different data types without sacrificing type safety. Generics ensure that your code is both reusable and type-safe.

Defining a Generic Method

To define a generic method, you use the angle brackets <> containing a type parameter. This parameter is typically named T, but you can use other names if necessary. The type parameter is used as a substitute for a specific data type when the method is called.

Using Generic Methods

Once a generic method is defined, you can call it with different data types. The compiler ensures that the data types used with the method are consistent, maintaining type safety.

Multiple Type Parameters

Generic methods can also be defined with multiple type parameters. This allows you to work with more than one generic type at a time. Use a comma to separate type parameters in the angle brackets.

Constraints on Type Parameters

Constraints can be applied to type parameters to restrict the types that can be used with the generic method. Common constraints include:

  • where T : struct - T must be a value type.
  • where T : class - T must be a reference type.
  • where T : new() - T must have a parameterless constructor.
  • where T : SomeBaseClass - T must be or derive from SomeBaseClass.

Benefits of Using Generic Methods

Using generic methods in .NET provides several benefits:

  • Code Reusability: Write the method once and use it with any compatible type.
  • Type Safety: Errors are caught at compile time rather than runtime, reducing bugs.
  • Performance: Generics don't require boxing or unboxing, improving performance.

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