Generics in C are a feature that allows the creation of parameterized types, which can be used to create type-safe collections for both reference and value types. Generics are similar to templates in C++, but are different in implementation and capabilities.
Generics allow you to define classes and methods with a placeholder for the data type, which is specified when the class or method is declared and instantiated by client code. This allows for the creation of reusable code that can work with any data type, instead of writing multiple methods or classes for different data types.
Some key features of generics in C include:
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Type Parameters: Generics introduce the concept of type parameters, which allow for the creation of methods and classes that defer the framing of data type until the class or method is declared and is instantiated by client code.
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Type Safety: Generics ensure that the code will only accept and operate on data types that match the specified type parameter, preventing errors that can occur due to data type mismatches.
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Performance: Generic types provide better performance as compared to normal system types because they reduce the need for boxing, unboxing, and typecasting of variables or objects.
Generics are commonly used to create type-safe collections for both reference and value types, and the .NET framework provides an extensive set of interfaces and classes in the System.Collections.Generic namespace for implementing generic collections.
In summary, generics in C are a powerful feature that allows for the creation of reusable code by creating parameterized types. They provide type safety, better performance, and help in reducing code duplication.
