Destructor. In the C# language a destructor runs after a class becomes unreachable. It has the special "~" character in its name.
Destructor info. The exact time a destructor is executed is not specified. But it always runs when the class is not reachable in memory by any references.
using System;
class Example
{
public Example()
{
Console.WriteLine("Constructor");
}
~Example()
{
Console.WriteLine("Destructor");
}
}
class Program
{
static void Main()
{
Example x = new Example();
}
}Constructor
Destructor
Discussion. We next reference the C# specification. The destructor can be run at any time after the class instance becomes unreachable (such as when it goes out of scope).
Info When you implement IDisposable, you can use the "using" pattern. This lets us know exactly when clean up must occur.
So For this reason, the using pattern is preferable for cleaning up system resources (page 120).
Destructors versus IDisposable. Destructors have simpler syntax and don't require the using syntax. Most actions needed at type destruction are system cleanup tasks.
And These tasks are better suited to the explicit syntax of the using pattern.
Thus In complex programs that need special destruction logic, the using-dispose pattern is usually better.
A summary. We examined destructor syntax, and compared destructors to the using-dispose pattern. Destructors are rarely needed in C# programs.
Dot Net Perls is a collection of tested code examples. Pages are continually updated to stay current, with code correctness a top priority.
Sam Allen is passionate about computer languages. In the past, his work has been recommended by Apple and Microsoft and he has studied computers at a selective university in the United States.
This page was last updated on Aug 10, 2022 (image).
