Generics and Non-Generics

In C#, Generics and Non-Generics represent two different approaches to handling data types in collections and methods. Understanding the difference helps you write type-safe, efficient, and scalable code. Generics Type-Safe: You define the data type when using it. No Casting Needed: Prevents runtime errors due to invalid type casting. Reusable: Write code that works with any data type. Compile-Time Checking: Errors are caught early. Non-Generics Not Type-Safe: Uses object, so any type can be added. Casting Needed: You must cast when retrieving items. Risky: More prone to runtime errors. Less Performance: Boxing/unboxing happens for value types. Understanding Generics vs Non-Generics in C# Conclusion Using Generics in C# provides strong type safety, better performance, and cleaner, reusable code. Unlike Non-Generics, which rely on casting and are more error-prone at runtime, Generics allow developers to catch type-related issues at compile time and avoid unnecessary boxing and unboxing. Whenever possible, prefer Generics for collections, methods, and classes to write robust, maintainable, and efficient applications in C#.

Jun 8, 2025 - 12:40

In C#, Generics and Non-Generics represent two different approaches to handling data types in collections and methods. Understanding the difference helps you write type-safe, efficient, and scalable code.

Generics

Type-Safe: You define the data type when using it.
No Casting Needed: Prevents runtime errors due to invalid type casting.
Reusable: Write code that works with any data type.
Compile-Time Checking: Errors are caught early.

Non-Generics

Not Type-Safe: Uses object, so any type can be added.
Casting Needed: You must cast when retrieving items.
Risky: More prone to runtime errors.
Less Performance: Boxing/unboxing happens for value types.

Understanding Generics vs Non-Generics in C#

Conclusion
Using Generics in C# provides strong type safety, better performance, and cleaner, reusable code. Unlike Non-Generics, which rely on casting and are more error-prone at runtime, Generics allow developers to catch type-related issues at compile time and avoid unnecessary boxing and unboxing.

Whenever possible, prefer Generics for collections, methods, and classes to write robust, maintainable, and efficient applications in C#.