How do generics work in C#?

Can you explain how generics work in C#?

Sure! Generics in C# allow you to define classes, methods, and interfaces with a placeholder for the data type. This means you can create a class or method that can work with any data type without losing type safety.

What are the benefits of using generics?

The main benefits include code reusability, type safety, and performance improvements. Generics reduce the need for boxing and unboxing when using value types.

Can you give me an example of a generic class?

Absolutely! Here's a simple example:

public class GenericList<T> {
    private T[] items;
    private int count;

    public void Add(T item) {
        // Add item to the list
    }
}

In this example, T is a placeholder for any data type.

How do I use a generic method?

You can define a generic method like this:

public T GetFirstItem<T>(List<T> items) {
    return items[0];
}

This method will return the first item of any list type you pass to it.