07 Feb 2024
Intermediate
Differences between Non-Generic Collections and Generic Collections in C#:
| Feature | Non-Generic Collections | Generic Collections |
|---|---|---|
| Type Safety | Not type-safe, as they operate with objects (object) | Type-safe, as they operate with specified data types |
| Compile-Time Safety | No compile-time type checking; potential runtime errors | Compile-time type checking prevents type-related errors |
| Boxing/Unboxing | Requires boxing/unboxing for value types | Avoids boxing/unboxing for value types (performance benefit) |
| Clarity | Less clear and explicit due to reliance on object | More clear and explicit due to specified data types |
| Readability | May require explicit casting when retrieving elements | No need for explicit casting when retrieving elements |
| Performance | May incur performance overhead due to boxing/unboxing | Better performance, especially with value types |
| Code Reusability | Limited code reusability due to reliance on object | Improved code reusability with specified data types |
| Examples | ArrayList, Hashtable, Queue, Stack | List<T>, Dictionary<K, V>, Queue<T>, Stack<T> |
In summary, generic collections in C# provide type safety, improved performance, and code clarity compared to their non-generic counterparts. They are the preferred choice for modern C# development, offering better compile-time safety and readability. Non-generic collections are considered legacy and are used less frequently in contemporary C# code.