![C# 14 new features]()
C# 14, supported on .NET 10, introduces several new features and enhancements. Developers can download the latest .NET 10 SDK from the official .NET downloads page or obtain it through Visual Studio 2022, which includes the .NET 10 SDK.
.NET 10 brings significant improvements to the ecosystem, enhancing performance, developer productivity, and language capabilities. With the introduction of C# 14, developers can leverage new language features that simplify coding patterns and improve readability. This article explores the key updates in .NET 10 and C# 14, helping you stay ahead in modern software development.
Enhanced Language Features in C# 14
C# 14, officially released with .NET 10, introduces new syntax enhancements that streamline coding practices. Among the notable additions are field-backed properties, expanded support for implicit span conversions, unbound generic types in nameof, and parameter modifiers in lambda expressions.
field keyword
One of the most exciting additions is the field keyword, which simplifies property declarations. Previously, developers had to declare explicit backing fields to enforce property constraints. Now, with C# 14, the compiler automatically generates a backing field, reducing boilerplate code.
Before
private string _msg;
public string Message
{
get => _msg;
set => _msg = value ?? throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(value));
}
Now in C# 14
public string Message
{
get;
set => field = value ?? throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(value));
}
This approach enhances readability while maintaining the same functionality.
Implicit Span Conversions
Performance has always been a focus in C#, and the improved handling of Span<T> and ReadOnlySpan<T> is a testament to that. With first-class support for these types, C# 14 introduces implicit conversions, making it easier to work with spans and arrays seamlessly. This change helps optimize memory usage and improves efficiency when handling large datasets.
nameof with Unbound Generic Types
Developers can now use nameof with unbound generic types. Previously, nameof could only be applied to closed generic types, such as List<int>. Now, it also supports unbound types like List<>, improving code clarity when working with generic type names.
Example
Console.WriteLine(nameof(List<>)); // Output: List
This update makes it more convenient to reference generic types in reflection and debugging scenarios.
Modifiers on Simple Lambda Parameters
Lambda expressions have also seen an improvement with the ability to use parameter modifiers like scoped, ref, in, out, and ref readonly. Previously, these modifiers were only allowed when specifying explicit parameter types. Now, they can be applied directly in lambda expressions, making functional programming patterns more expressive.
Example
delegate bool TryParse<T>(string text, out T result);
TryParse<int> parse = (text, out result) => int.TryParse(text, out result);
This change reduces verbosity and allows for more concise function definitions while maintaining type safety.
Other .NET 10 Enhancements
Beyond the language improvements, .NET 10 delivers optimizations across the runtime, libraries, and tooling. Developers can expect improved Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, faster startup times, and enhancements to garbage collection, contributing to better overall application performance.
If you want to learn more about .NET 10 Preview 1, please go through the detailed article: .NET 10 Preview 1 Features and Enhancements Unveiled.