Struct

Struct

A struct (struct) in C# is a value type that encapsulates data and related methods. It is similar to a class, but it is stored on the stack instead of the heap, making it more efficient for small data structures.

Explanation:

• Structs are value types: Unlike classes, which are reference types, structs store their data directly.
• Useful for small, simple objects: Structs are ideal for lightweight data structures that don’t require complex behavior.
• Encapsulates data and methods: Just like a class, a struct can have fields, properties, and methods.

using System;

struct Point
{
    public int X;  // Field for X coordinate
    public int Y;  // Field for Y coordinate
}

class Program
{
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        Point p = new Point { X = 5, Y = 10 };  // Creating and initializing a struct
        Console.WriteLine($"Point: ({p.X}, {p.Y})");
    }
}

// output:
Point: (5, 10)

Creating a struct

A struct in C# can have fields, properties, and methods, just like a class. However, since it is a value type, it is stored on the stack, making it more efficient for small, simple objects.

using System;

struct Rectangle
{
    public int Width;   // Field for width
    public int Height;  // Field for height
    
    // Method to calculate area
    public int GetArea() => Width * Height;
}

class Program
{
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        var rect = new Rectangle { Width = 5, Height = 4 };  // Create and initialize a struct
        Console.WriteLine($"Area: {rect.GetArea()}");  // Output: Area: 20
    }
}

// output:
Area: 20

Struct Arrays

A struct array is an array that holds multiple instances of a struct. Since structs are value types, each element in the array stores a copy of the struct.

using System;

struct Point
{
    public int X;  // Field for X coordinate
    public int Y;  // Field for Y coordinate
}

class Program
{
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        // Creating an array of structs
        Point[] points = new Point[2];
        
        // Initializing struct instances
        points[0] = new Point { X = 1, Y = 2 };
        points[1] = new Point { X = 3, Y = 4 };
        
        // Iterating through the array
        foreach (var point in points)
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"Point: ({point.X}, {point.Y})");
        }
    }
}

// output:
Point: (1, 2)
Point: (3, 4)