Partial Classes in C#
Introduction
Partial class is one that can be split
up across multiple physical files. This feature is introduced with the release
of C# 2.0 versions. With C#, we can split the source code for a class into
separate files so that we can organize the definition of a large class into
smaller, easier to manage pieces. When we split a class across multiple files, we
define the parts of the class by using the partial keyword in each file. Each file
contains a section of the class definition, and all parts are combined when the
application is compiled. Look at the example below:
Original Long Class File
(Calculation.cs)
class ClassRoom
{
private int boycount; //field
public ClassRoom() //default
constructor
{
boycount = 30;
}
public ClassRoom(int bcount)
//overloaded constructor
{
boycount = bcount;
}
public double Avg() //method
{
//statements goes here
}
}
Splitted Class Files into
two parts
//Calculation1.cs
partial
class ClassRoom
{
private int boycount; //field
public ClassRoom() //default constructor
{
boycount = 30;
}
}
//Calculation2.cs
partial
class ClassRoom
{
public ClassRoom(int bcount) //overloaded constructor
{
boycount = bcount;
}
public double Avg() //method
{
//statements goes here
}
}
Now,
when we compile a class that has been split into separate files, we must
provide all the files to the compiler.
Partial Classes Rules and Advantages
To
work on large projects, spreading a class over separate files allows multiple
programmers to work on it simultaneously.
When
working with automatically generated source, code can be added to the class
without having to recreate the source file.
To
split a class definition, use the partial keyword modifier.
All
the parts must have the same accessibility, such as public, private, and so on.
The
partial modifier can only appear immediately before the keywords class, struct,
or interface.
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