What is the difference between Class and Structure?
Classes and structures are both used to define data types in C#. However, they have some key differences in their behavior and usage:
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Semantic Differences:
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Classes are reference types, while structures are value types. When you create an object of a class, you are creating a reference to the memory location where the actual data resides. On the other hand, when you create an object of a structure, the data is stored directly in the memory location where the variable is defined.
- As a result, classes have a concept of object identity, meaning two class instances can refer to the same data, while structures have a value-based identity, meaning two structure instances are considered equal if their values are the same.
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Default Behavior:
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Classes have a default constructor and support inheritance and polymorphism. They are typically used for creating complex objects with behavior and data.
- Structures do not have a default constructor (unless you define one explicitly). They cannot be inherited, and they do not support polymorphism. They are primarily used for small data-oriented objects.
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Memory Allocation:
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Classes are stored in the heap memory, which means they have a dynamic lifetime managed by the garbage collector. Objects are created using the 'new' keyword and can have a longer life span.
- Structures are stored on the stack memory (when they are value types) or within the memory of the container (when they are part of a class or array). They have a shorter lifespan and are deallocated automatically when they go out of scope.
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Passing by Reference vs. Passing by Value:
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When you pass a class object as an argument to a method or assign it to another variable, you are passing the reference to the object, not a copy of the object. Changes made to the object within the method will affect the original object.
- When you pass a structure object as an argument to a method or assign it to another variable, you are passing a copy of the object. Any changes made within the method will not affect the original object.
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Performance Considerations:
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Classes may have a performance overhead due to heap allocation and garbage collection. They are suitable for larger objects and more complex scenarios.
- Structures have better performance for small, simple data structures, as they avoid heap allocation and are stored directly on the stack or within the container.
In summary, classes are used for creating complex, reference-based objects with behavior, while structures are used for creating small, value-based data objects. The choice between classes and structures depends on the specific use case and the desired behavior and performance characteristics.