Key Points
Before implementing partial classes, you need to keep a few key points in mind.
-
When you need to split a class, method, interface, or structure's functionality into several files, you should use the partial keyword, and all of the files must be accessible at build time to create the final file.
- The partial modifier may appear only before terms like struct, class, and interface.
-
The partial class definition should be in the same assembly and namespace as the whole class declaration. As with the rest of the project, the source file name might differ.
- Every component of the partial class definition should be accessible in the same way as private, protected, and other classes are.
- If any component of a partial class is declared as abstract, sealed, or base, the entire class is declared to be of the same type.
- It is also possible for the user to employ nested partial types. Although different pieces may have different base types, the final type must inherit all of them.
Advantages of using partial classes
Following are the advantages of using partial classes:
-
Multiple developers can simultaneously work on the same class in various files using partial classes.
-
You can read and comprehend the code by separating the UI of the design code from the business logic code using the partial class idea.
-
When dealing with automatically produced code, you may add it to a class without rebuilding the source file, as you would in Visual Studio.
- Compressing huge classes into tiny ones can also help you maintain your application more efficiently.
Examples
Now, let us see some programming examples to understand how can we implement partial classes in C#.
Example 1
using System;
namespace HeightWeightInfo
{
class File1
{
}
public partial class Record
{
private int h;
private int w;
public Record(int h, int w)
{
this.h = h;
this.w = w;
}
}
}
namespace HeightWeightInfo
{
class File2
{
}
public partial class Record
{
public void PrintRecord()
{
Console.WriteLine("Height:"+ h);
Console.WriteLine("Weight:"+ w);
}
}
}
namespace HeightWeightInfo
{
class Program
{
static void Main(string[] args)
{
Record myRecord = new Record(2, 4);
myRecord.PrintRecord();
Console.ReadLine();
}
}
}
Output
Height:2
Weight:4
In this example, we have used the partial class to get the height and weight of an object.
Example 2
using System;
namespace BookArticleAuthorInfo
{
class Book1 {
}
public partial class Record{
private string a;
private int t;
public Record(string a, int t)
{
this.a = a;
this.t = t;
}
}
}
namespace BookArticleAuthorInfo
{
class Book2{
}
public partial class Record
{
public void GetRecord()
{
Console.WriteLine("Author Name: " + a);
Console.WriteLine("Total Articles:" + t);
}
}
}
namespace BookArticleAuthorInfo
{
class PartialClassesDemo
{
static void Main(string[] args) {
Record BookRecord = new Record("Saalim", 60);
BookRecord.GetRecord();
Console.ReadLine();
}
}
}
Output
Author Name: Saalim
Total Articles:60
In this example, we have used the partial classes to get the total number of books written and the and the name of the author.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a partial class in C#?
A partial class in C# allows a class definition to be split across multiple files. Each file contains a part of the class's definition, which the compiler combines into a single class during compilation.
What are partial methods in C#?
Partial methods in C# are defined within partial classes and allow a method signature to be declared without an implementation. The implementation can optionally be provided in the same or another part of the class.
What is the difference between a sealed class and a partial class in C#?
A sealed class in C# cannot be inherited, effectively preventing any class from extending it. In contrast, a partial class is a design feature that allows a class's definition to be divided across multiple files, which facilitates better organization and collaboration in large projects.
Conclusion
In this article, we have extensively focussed on Partial classes in C#. We have briefly introduced the topic along with the idea of the topic. We also covered various vital points. We also talked about the advantages. In the end, we covered the code examples along with their output and explanation.
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