What are the differences between immutable and mutable patterns in C#?

What are the differences between immutable and mutable patterns in C#?

In C#, mutable patterns allow objects to be changed after creation, while immutable patterns prevent changes, ensuring data integrity.

Can you give me an example of an immutable class in C#?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

public class ImmutablePoint
{
    public int X { get; }
    public int Y { get; }

    public ImmutablePoint(int x, int y)
    {
        X = x;
        Y = y;
    }
}

This class cannot be modified after it's created.

What are the benefits of using immutable objects?

Immutable objects are thread-safe, easier to reason about, and can lead to fewer bugs since their state cannot change.

Are there any downsides to using immutable patterns?

Yes, the main downside is performance overhead due to the need to create new instances instead of modifying existing ones.