TYPE CASTING IN C#
INTRODUCTION
Changing an expression from one data type to another is called type casting in C#. It enables you to carry out functions and assignments acceptable to the target type by treating an object as belonging to another level of the hierarchy.
C# supports two types of casting: Implicit casting and Explicit casting.
IMPLICIT CASTING
When there is no chance of data loss, the compiler will automatically execute implicit casting, commonly called a widening conversion. It enables the conversion of values between more minor and more significant data types. Changing the value of an integer to a floating-point number is one example. No additional code or explicit syntax is needed for implicit casting. The compiler efficiently performs the conversion.
What you need to know regarding implicit casting in C# is as follows:
- Implicit casting is an option within the type hierarchy when converting between compatible types. With no explicit casting or data loss, you can allocate a more specific value to a more general type parameter.
- Unlike explicit casting, implicit casting does not necessitate any extra code or explicit type conversion syntax. The compiler automatically handles the conversion.
- Implicit casting is utilized to increase the spectrum of data that can be stored in a variable. For instance, it was changing a double from a float or an integer from a float.
It's crucial to remember that implicit casting can occur if there is no chance of data or precision loss. Explicit casting is necessary for the conversion if it entails reducing the range or increasing precision. Implicit casting is only effective for type conversions between compatible types; it is only sometimes effective.
EXAMPLE
using System;
namespace MyApplication {
class Program {
static void Main(string[] args) {
int numInt = 1200;
Type a = numInt.GetType();
double numDouble = numInt;
Type x = numDouble.GetType();
Console.WriteLine("numInt value: "+numInt);
Console.WriteLine("numInt Type: " + a);
Console.WriteLine("numDouble value: "+numDouble);
Console.WriteLine("numDouble Type: " + x);
Console.ReadLine();
}
}
}
OUTPUT
EXPLICIT CASTING
A manual translation is necessary when there is a chance of data loss or when translating between incompatible types. It is sometimes referred to as narrowing conversion. It entails precisely using brackets and the intended type name to describe the desired type. When changing a value from a more significant data type to a smaller one, explicit casting is required to avoid losing precision or information. The programmer is responsible for ensuring the conversion is valid and compatible during explicit casting.
The following are some crucial specifics regarding explicit casting in C#:
- Explicit casting requires the manual specification of the desired type by enclosing it in brackets and the destination type name. It enables you to narrow down a number that is of a more significant type, which could lead to accuracy loss or data loss.
- When the target form cannot support the entire range or accuracy of the source type, explicit casting is often performed. The compiler demands that you expressly acknowledge that you are aware of the possibility of data loss since it reduces the spectrum or accuracy of the transformed value.
- The casting operator, the desired type in brackets, is used with the value you wish to convert to execute explicit casting. The value is transformed to the target type if the transformation is successful.
It is crucial to remember that explicit casting should only be used sparingly since it may result in data loss or runtime problems if the conversion is invalid or the assigned value cannot fit inside the range of the destination type. It is advisable to use suitable type-checking techniques, such as the is a method or the as operator, to confirm that types are compatible and prevent potential exceptions before conducting explicit casting.
EXAMPLE
using System;
namespace MyApplication {
class Program {
static void Main(string[] args) {
double numDouble = 12.27;
int numInt = (int) numDouble;
Console.WriteLine("Original double Value: "+numDouble);
Console.WriteLine("Converted int Value: "+numInt);
Console.ReadLine();
}
}
}
OUTPUT
CONCLUSION
Type casting in C# refers to changing an expression's data type. It enables you to carry out operations & allocations that are acceptable with the target type by treating an object as belonging to another category in the hierarchy. To change and manipulate data in C#, type casting must be understood. Type casting lets developers interact with various data types to accomplish the required behaviour in their applications, whether implicitly converting to broaden the spectrum of values or explicitly converting to limit the type.