Properties in C# full Explanation

 

Properties in C# full Explanation

Properties in C# provide a way to encapsulate the state (data) of an object and define the logic for accessing and modifying that state. They combine the functionality of fields and methods into a single interface. Here's a full explanation of properties in C#:

 

1. Definition:

v  A property is a member of a class or struct that encapsulates a getter (accessor) and/or a setter (mutator) method to access and modify the underlying data (state) of an object.

v  Properties provide a way to expose the internal state of an object while controlling access to it and applying logic if needed.

 

2. Syntax:

v  Properties are declared within a class or struct using a combination of a get accessor (optional), a set accessor (optional), and a property name.

v  The get accessor retrieves the property value, and the set accessor sets the property value.

v  The property name follows the naming conventions for variables and methods.

v  Example:

    

     public string Name

     {

         get { return _name; }

         set { _name = value; }

     }

    

 

3. Access Modifiers:

v  Properties can have Different access modifiers to control their visibility and accessibility.

v  The most common access modifiers used for properties are `public`, `private`, `protected`, and `internal`, which have the same meaning as for fields and methods.

 

4. Backing Field:

v  A property typically relies on a private field (backing field) to store its underlying data.

v  The backing field is accessed and modified within the property's get and set accessors.

v  By convention, the backing field is often named with an underscore prefix to Differentiate it from the property.

v  Example:

    

     private string _name;

 

     public string Name

     {

         get { return _name; }

         set { _name = value; }

     }

    

 

5. Auto-implemented Properties:

v  C# provides a shorthand syntax for creating properties called auto-implemented properties.

v  Auto-implemented properties automatically generate a hidden backing field and handle the get and set functionality internally.

v  They are useful when you don't need any additional logic in the property's accessors.

v  Example:

    

     public string Name { get; set; }

    

 

6. Read-only and Write-only Properties:

v  Properties can be defined as read-only (only a getter) or write-only (only a setter).

v  Read-only properties allow you to get the value but not modify it after initialization.

v  Write-only properties allow you to set the value but not retrieve it.

v  Example of a read-only property:

    

     public int Age { get; }  // Read-only property

    

 

7. Property Usage:

v  Properties can be accessed and modified like fields, using dot notation.

v  Example usage:

    

     MyClass myObj = new MyClass();

     myObj.Name = "John";  // Setting the value of the property

     string name = myObj.Name;  // Getting the value of the property

    

 

Properties offer advantages over direct field access because they allow you to add logic, validation, and additional behavior to the reading and writing of data. They provide an interface to safely expose and manipulate the internal state of an object. By using properties, you can enforce encapsulation and control access to the data in your C# classes and structs.