Generic
Last updated
Last updated
In C# generics, type arguments are like puzzle pieces without a guide. Constraints step in as the guidebook, telling the compiler what traits a type must have. They ensure we pick the right type for the job.
Constraints inform the compiler about the capabilities a type argument must have. Without any constraints, the type argument could be any type. The compiler can only assume the members of System.Object, which is the ultimate base class for any .NET type.
Think of constraints as a job description for types. They ensure the type has the necessary skills. Our generic class or method craves more than the basics – constraints act like filters, allowing only suitable types to join the party.
For instance, the base class constraint limits entry to related types. It's about precision, not exclusion. With this constraint, our generic class gains access to specific type features, sharpening our code's focus.
Constraints and the compiler work hand in hand, turning C# generics into a refined coding symphony.