What is the difference between a struct and a class in C#?

What is the difference between a struct and a class in C#?

In C#, a struct is a value type, while a class is a reference type. This means structs are stored on the stack and classes on the heap.

Can you explain what that means in practical terms?

Sure! When you create a struct, it holds the actual data. If you pass it to a method, a copy is made. With a class, only a reference to the object is passed, so changes affect the original.

Are there any performance implications between using structs and classes?

Yes, structs can be more efficient for small data types due to less memory overhead, but they can lead to performance issues if used excessively or if they are large.

When should I use a struct instead of a class?

Use a struct for small, immutable data types that represent a single value, like coordinates or colors. Use a class for more complex objects that require inheritance or polymorphism.