Concise Property Definitions in C# with Expression-Bodied Getters and Setters

Learn how to write cleaner and more efficient C# code using expression-bodied getters and setters. This tutorial explains the syntax, demonstrates its use in defining properties with simple logic, and highlights its benefits in improving code readability and maintainability.

Using Expression-Bodied Getters and Setters in C#

What are Expression-Bodied Getters and Setters?

Expression-bodied members (including getters and setters) are a concise syntax feature in C# that allows you to define a method, constructor, or property's body using a single expression. This makes your code cleaner, easier to read, and more maintainable, particularly for simple getters and setters that don't require complex logic.

Syntax of Expression-Bodied Getters and Setters

For simple getters and setters, you can replace the standard getter and setter blocks with a single expression:

public string Name {
    get => _name;  // Getter expression body
    set => _name = value; // Setter expression body
}

Here, the getter simply returns the value of the private field `_name`. The setter assigns the provided value to the private field `_name`. This is a much more compact way to define a property.

Example: Expression-Bodied Members

This example demonstrates the use of expression-bodied getters and setters in a `Student` class. The constructor also uses an expression body.

using System;

public class Student {
    private string _name;
    public Student(string name) => _name = name; //Expression-bodied constructor
    public string Name { get => _name; set => _name = value; }
}

public class Example {
    public static void Main(string[] args) {
        Student student = new Student("Peter");
        Console.WriteLine(student.Name); // Output: Peter
    }
}

Conclusion

Expression-bodied members, including getters and setters, are a valuable addition to C#, enhancing code readability and reducing verbosity, particularly for simple properties. This feature promotes cleaner code and simplifies maintenance without sacrificing functionality.