How to Gracefully Perform Code Search and Replace in VSCode

Preface xi 1. Introducing C# and .NET .1 Object Orientation 1 Type Safety 2 Memory Management 3 Platform Support 3 CLRs, BCLs, and Runtimes 3 A Brief History of C# 8 2. C# Language Basics 31 A First C# Program 31 Syntax 34 Type Basics 36 Numeric Types 47 Boolean Type and Operators 55 Strings and Characters 57 Arrays 61 Variables and Parameters 67 Expressions and Operators 78 Null Operators 82 Statements 84 Namespaces 95 3. Creating Types in C# 103 Classes 103 Inheritance 126 ### C# 12 in a Nutshell：The Definitive Reference #### 1. Introducing C# and .NET **Object Orientation** C# is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language, which means that it structures code around objects rather than actions and data instead of logic. Object orientation provides several key benefits, such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, which help in creating maintainable, scalable, and reusable code. **Type Safety** One of the core features of C# is its type safety, which ensures that variables can only hold values of the types they were declared to hold. This helps prevent runtime errors and makes the code more robust and predictable. The compiler enforces type safety during compilation, catching potential errors before the code is even executed. **Memory Management** C# employs automatic memory management through a garbage collector. Unlike languages like C or C++, where developers must manually manage memory, C# takes care of allocating and deallocating memory automatically. This simplifies development and reduces the risk of common memory-related bugs such as memory leaks and dangling pointers. **Platform Support** C# is designed to be platform-independent, meaning that applications written in C# can run on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This is achieved through the Common Language Runtime (CLR), which acts as a virtual machine that executes managed code. The .NET Core framework further enhances cross-platform support. **CLRs, BCLs, and Runtimes** - **CLR (Common Language Runtime)**: A virtual execution environment that provides services such as memory management, security, and exception handling. - **BCL (Base Class Library)**: A set of class libraries provided by the .NET Framework that offers functionality for tasks such as input/output operations, string manipulation, and collections. - **Runtimes**: Refers to the runtime environment in which .NET applications execute. This includes both the CLR and other runtime components specific to each version of .NET. **Brief History of C#** Developed by Microsoft, C# was first released in 2000. It was created to improve upon the limitations of previous languages and to provide a better programming model for developing applications for the .NET Framework. Over the years, C# has evolved significantly, introducing new features and improvements with each release. C# 12, the latest version, continues this trend, offering new capabilities and optimizations. #### 2. C# Language Basics **A First C# Program** The book starts with a simple C# program, typically a "Hello, World!" example, to introduce basic syntax and structure. This serves as a foundation for understanding more complex concepts. **Syntax** Understanding the syntax is crucial for writing correct and readable code. C# uses a syntax similar to other C-style languages, making it relatively easy for developers familiar with these languages to pick up. **Type Basics** Types in C# define the kind of data that variables can hold. Understanding how to declare and use different types effectively is essential for building robust applications. C# supports various types, including value types (like integers and floats) and reference types (like classes and interfaces). **Numeric Types** Numeric types in C# include integers, floating-point numbers, and decimal numbers. Each type has its own range and precision, and choosing the right numeric type is important for performance and accuracy. **Boolean Type and Operators** The boolean type represents logical values (`true` and `false`). Boolean operators such as `&&`, `||`, and `!` are used to perform logical operations and control flow. **Strings and Characters** Strings in C# are immutable sequences of characters. They are used extensively in C# programs for storing text-based data. Characters are individual symbols that can be manipulated using various methods and operators. **Arrays** Arrays are used to store collections of elements of the same type. They can be one-dimensional, multidimensional, or jagged (arrays of arrays). Arrays are a fundamental data structure in C# and are often used in various scenarios. **Variables and Parameters** Variables are used to store data temporarily within a program. Parameters are used to pass data to methods. Understanding how to declare and use variables and parameters effectively is crucial for writing efficient and maintainable code. **Expressions and Operators** Expressions are combinations of values, variables, and operators that can be evaluated to produce a result. Operators are symbols that perform specific operations on operands. C# supports a wide range of operators, including arithmetic, comparison, and logical operators. **Null Operators** C# includes null operators (`??` and `??=`) that allow you to handle null values gracefully. These operators are particularly useful when working with nullable types or when you want to provide default values. **Statements** Statements in C# are instructions that perform some action. They form the basis of C# programs and include constructs such as loops, conditional statements, and method invocations. **Namespaces** Namespaces in C# are used to organize related types and avoid naming conflicts. They provide a way to group classes, interfaces, and other types logically. Using namespaces effectively can make your code more manageable and easier to navigate. #### 3. Creating Types in C# **Classes** Classes are the building blocks of object-oriented programming in C#. They define the blueprint for objects and encapsulate data and behavior. Classes can contain fields, properties, methods, and events. - **Fields**: Used to store data. - **Properties**: Provide access to private fields with getters and setters. - **Methods**: Define the behavior of objects. - **Events**: Allow objects to notify other objects of changes. **Inheritance** Inheritance is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming that allows you to create new classes based on existing ones. Derived classes inherit properties and methods from base classes, enabling code reuse and promoting modularity. This comprehensive overview covers the key points discussed in the preface and introduction of "C# 12 in a Nutshell." The book delves deeper into each of these topics, providing detailed explanations, examples, and practical guidance for intermediate and advanced programmers looking to master C# and .NET.