Struct vs Class in C#

1Struct vs Class in C#

Hi friends, in this article we will learn the difference between struct and class in C#. Both help us create custom types, but they behave differently when assigned, passed to methods or stored in collections. Choosing the right one helps us write efficient and maintainable applications.

2Think About a Shopping Cart

Imagine a shopping cart storing a product's dimensions, such as height and width. These small values can be grouped into a struct.

Now imagine a complete customer account with name, address and order history. A class is a better choice because it represents an entity with identity and shared state.

3How Struct and Class Differ

1. Struct is a value type

Assigning a struct copies its data. Changes to the copied variable do not change the original.

2. Class is a reference type

Assigning a class variable copies its reference. Both variables can point to the same object.

3. Inheritance support

Classes support class inheritance. Structs cannot inherit from another struct or class, but can implement interfaces.

4. When should we use them?

Use structs for small value-like data. Use classes for objects with identity, shared state or complex behaviour.

4Let's Compare Them with Code

We will create a struct and a class with the same property. Then we will copy each and update the copied value.

using System;

struct ProductValue
{
    public int Price { get; set; }
}

class ProductReference
{
    public int Price { get; set; }
}

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        var firstValue = new ProductValue { Price = 100 };
        var secondValue = firstValue;
        secondValue.Price = 200;

        Console.WriteLine(firstValue.Price);
        Console.WriteLine(secondValue.Price);

        var firstProduct = new ProductReference { Price = 100 };
        var secondProduct = firstProduct;
        secondProduct.Price = 200;

        Console.WriteLine(firstProduct.Price);
        Console.WriteLine(secondProduct.Price);
    }
}

5Read the Program Result

The struct copy has its own value. Both class variables refer to the same object, so both display 200.

100
200
200
200

6Watch the Difference as Code Runs

7Quick Revision

Structs are value types, while classes are reference types. Struct assignment copies data, and class assignment copies a reference. Select the type based on the behaviour and purpose of your data.

• Struct: independent value copies.
• Class: shared object references.
• Structs can implement interfaces.

8Interview Questions to Practise