What are generics in C# and why should I use them?

What are generics in C# and why should I use them?

Generics in C# allow you to define classes, methods, and interfaces with a placeholder for the data type. This promotes code reusability and type safety.

Can you give me an example of a generic class?

Sure! Here's a simple example of a generic class:

public class Box<T> {
    private T item;

    public void Pack(T item) {
        this.item = item;
    }

    public T Unpack() {
        return item;
    }
}

How do generics improve type safety?

Generics improve type safety by allowing you to specify the data type at compile time, reducing runtime errors and eliminating the need for type casting.

Are there any performance benefits to using generics?

Yes, generics can improve performance by reducing the need for boxing and unboxing when using value types, leading to more efficient memory usage.