Working with Generics in C#: Simplify Your Code
C# generics are a powerful feature that allow developers to write reusable, type-safe, and flexible code. Whether you are building collections, utility libraries, or business logic, generics help you avoid redundancy, improve performance, and reduce runtime errors. This guide will walk you through generic types, type parameters, constraints, and real-world examples you can apply immediately.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to C# Generics
- Why Use Generics? Key Benefits
- Creating Generic Types
- Generic Methods in C#
- Using Generic Constraints
- Conclusion
Introduction to C# Generics
Generics in C# allow you to define classes, methods, and interfaces with placeholders for the types they store or use. These placeholders, called type parameters, make it possible to build reusable code without sacrificing type safety.
Why Use Generics? Key Benefits
- Type Safety: C# generics prevent runtime type-casting errors.
- Cleaner, Reusable Code: Avoid duplicate implementations for different data types.
- Better Performance: Eliminates boxing/unboxing for value types.
- Stronger Compile-Time Checking: Bugs are caught earlier.
List<T>, Dictionary<TKey, TValue>, and Queue<T>.
Creating Generic Types
Example 1: A Generic Repository Class
public class Repository<T>
{
private List<T> items = new List<T>();
public void Add(T item)
{
items.Add(item);
}
public IEnumerable<T> GetAll()
{
return items;
}
}
This generic repository can store any type—products, users, orders—without rewriting the class for each one. This improves maintainability and reduces code duplication.
Generic Methods in C#
Example 2: A Generic Swap Method
public static void Swap<T>(ref T a, ref T b)
{
T temp = a;
a = b;
b = temp;
}
This method works for integers, strings, custom classes—anything. It demonstrates how type parameters make your functions more flexible and reusable.
Example 3: Checking Equality with Generics
public static bool AreEqual<T>(T value1, T value2)
{
return EqualityComparer<T>.Default.Equals(value1, value2);
}
Using EqualityComparer<T> ensures consistent comparison logic across reference types and value types.
Using Generic Constraints
Constraints allow you to limit the types that can be used as type parameters. This ensures that the type supports specific behaviors.
Example 4: Applying Constraints
public class Factory<T> where T : new()
{
public T Create()
{
return new T();
}
}
The new() constraint ensures the type has a parameterless constructor, enabling safe object creation.
- where T : class — Reference types only
- where T : struct — Value types only
- where T : BaseClass — Must inherit from BaseClass
- where T : InterfaceName — Must implement the interface
Conclusion
C# generics are an essential tool for writing clean, type-safe, and reusable code. By mastering generic types, methods, and constraints, developers can reduce duplication, improve maintainability, and build high-performance applications. Whether you're working with collections, repositories, or APIs, generics will help simplify your code and make it more robust.
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