What are the best practices for implementing Equals in C#?

What are the best practices for implementing Equals in C#?

When implementing Equals in C#, you should ensure that it is consistent with GetHashCode, handle nulls, and use the 'is' keyword for type checking.

Can you explain why Equals should be consistent with GetHashCode?

Yes, if two objects are considered equal by Equals, they must return the same hash code. This is crucial for collections like HashSet.

What about the implementation of GetHashCode? Any tips?

When implementing GetHashCode, use a combination of the fields that define equality. Ensure it distributes well to minimize collisions.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid?

Common mistakes include not handling null values, failing to override GetHashCode, and not considering reference types properly.