Expression-Bodied Members in C#: Concise and Efficient Method and Property Definitions

Learn how to use expression-bodied members in C# for creating concise and readable methods and properties. This tutorial explains their syntax, demonstrates their use with examples, and highlights their benefits in improving code efficiency and maintainability.

Expression-Bodied Members in C#

Introduction

C# allows you to define methods and properties using a concise syntax called expression-bodied members. This improves code readability and can make your code more efficient.

Expression-Bodied Method Syntax

An expression-bodied method is defined using a lambda expression-like syntax:

access_modifier return_type MethodName(parameters) => expression;

The expression must return a value of the same type as the method's return type (unless the return type is `void`).

Example: Expression-Bodied Method

using System;

namespace CSharpFeatures {
    public class Student {
        private string Name { get; set; }
        public void ShowName() => Console.WriteLine(Name); //Expression-bodied method

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

Expression-Bodied Get Property Syntax

Similarly, you can use expression bodies for get-only properties:

access_modifier return_type PropertyName { get => expression; }

The expression provides the value for the property. No `return` statement is needed.

Example: Expression-Bodied Get Property

using System;

namespace CSharpFeatures {
    public class ExpressionGet {
        private static string Name { get => "tutorialsarena"; } //Expression-bodied get property

        public static void Main(string[] args) {
            Console.WriteLine(ExpressionGet.Name); // Output: tutorialsarena
        }
    }
}

Conclusion

Expression-bodied members enhance C# code readability and conciseness, especially for simple methods and get-only properties. This feature improves code maintainability and can lead to slightly more efficient code.