What are the different parameter types in C#?

What are the different parameter types in C#?

In C#, parameters can be categorized as value parameters, reference parameters, and output parameters. Value parameters are passed by value, meaning a copy of the data is made. Reference parameters are passed by reference, allowing the method to modify the original data. Output parameters are used to return multiple values from a method.

Can you explain how reference parameters work?

Sure! Reference parameters in C# are defined using the ref keyword. When you pass a variable as a reference parameter, any changes made to that variable inside the method will affect the original variable outside the method.

What about output parameters? How are they different?

Output parameters, defined with the out keyword, are similar to reference parameters but are specifically used to return values from a method. Unlike reference parameters, output parameters do not need to be initialized before being passed to the method.

Can you give me an example of using both reference and output parameters?

Certainly! Here's a simple example:

void ModifyValues(ref int a, out int b) {
    a += 10;  // modifies the original variable
    b = 20;   // assigns a value to the output parameter
}

In this example, a is a reference parameter, and b is an output parameter.