 | String.IsNullOrWhiteSpace
When working with user input it is common to check that a string has been provided. With the .NET framework version 4.0, a single method can be used to determine whether such a string is null, empty or contains only white space characters. |
| Assembly Information
.NET framework assemblies can include a number of assembly attribute values that are shown when viewing the properties of the executable file or DLL. These properties can be set using Visual Studio tools or in the source code. |
| The Generic Predicate Delegate
The generic Predicate delegate represents a method or function that accepts an object of any type and returns a Boolean result. It is often used to define a set of criteria for filtering collections such as arrays and generic lists. |
| The BigInteger Structure
Under some circumstances the standard integer data types provided by the .NET framework provide a range of values that is restrictive. The BigInteger structure, introduced in version 4.0 of the framework, removes the size limits. |
| Using Tuples
The .NET Framework version 4.0 introduced the ability to create tuples using several related, generic Tuple classes. Tuples provide a convenient way in which to link several values or objects, without first creating a class or structure to hold them. |
| The Nullable<T> Structure
One of the problems with most value types is the inability to specify that they contain an undefined value. This is unlike reference types, which may hold a null reference to indicate that they have no value. The Nullable<T> structure resolves this issue. |
| Deep Cloning Using Binary Serialization
Cloning is the process of creating copies of objects or object graphs. The .NET framework provides methods for creating shallow copies, where a single object is cloned. Deep cloning can be achieved in several manners, including using serialization. |
| Generics and Default Values
When using generics, classes, structs and methods can be created that process data types that are not defined until used. As reference types and value types represent default values differently, it is important to be able to set those defaults correctl |
| Binary Serialization
A standard problem with object-oriented languages is that of persisting object state. Binary serialization allows single objects or complex models to be converted to binary streams, which may be stored in files or transported to other systems. |
| Generic Methods
The .NET framework versions 2.0 and later support the use of generic programming, allowing greater reuse of code with classes and members that can be created without specifying the types that they work with. This article considers generic methods. |