Complete Beginner's Guide to C# Types: Class vs Record vs Struct + Pattern Matching
If you're new to C# programming, you've probably wondered: "When should I use a class, record, or struct?" This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about these three fundamental types in C#, plus show you the amazing world of pattern matching with switch statements. What Are These Types Anyway? Think of C# types as different containers for your data and behavior: Class : Like a blueprint for complex objects (houses, cars, people) Record : Like a form with pre-filled information (student records, invoices) Struct : Like a simple container for basic data (coordinates, colors) Understanding the Basics What is a Class? A class is a reference type that lives on the heap. It's perfect for complex objects that need to change over time and can inherit from other classes. public class Person { public string FirstName { get; set; } public string LastName { get; set; } public int Age { get; set; } public Person(...