In C#, you can write code that works with a variety of data types by using generics. As a result, the code is more flexible and reusable. Generic declarations are made with the <> sign. For instance, the code that follows defines the generic method Print:
public static void Print<T>(T value)
{
Console.WriteLine(value);
}
// Any data can be printed using this technique. The code that outputs a string and an integer, for instance, is as follows:
Print(10); // 10
Print("Hello, world!"); // Hello, world!
Generics can also be used to create generic classes. For example, the following code declares a generic class called List:
public class List<T>
{
private T[] items;
public List()
{
items = new T[0];
}
public void Add(T item)
{
items = Array.Resize(items, items.Length + 1);
items[items.Length - 1] = item;
}
public T Get(int index)
{
return items[index];
}
}
Any kind of data can be stored in this class. For instance, the code that follows builds an integer list and appends some numbers to it:
List<int> numbers = new List<int>();
numbers.Add(10);
numbers.Add(20);
numbers.Add(30);
Generics are an effective technique for increasing the versatility and reusability of code. They are an essential component of the C# language and come in a variety of uses.
The following are some advantages of utilizing generics in C#:
They increase the versatility of coding. Because generic code works with a variety of data types, it is more reusable.
They improve the conciseness of the code. Compared to non-generic code, generic code can frequently be expressed more succinctly.
They could enhance output. There are situations when generic code can increase performance by removing the requirement for type casts.
They could aid in error prevention. Because generic code makes sure the right data types are utilized, it can help prevent problems.
Generic Classes The symbol should be used after the class name to declare the Generic class. It is not required to include the word “T” in the Generic type definition. Any word in the TestClass<> class declaration is acceptable.
public class TestClass
Generic class Description
Collection The basis for a generic collection Comparer compares two generic objects for equality
Dictionary