07 Feb 2024




Intermediate

Differences between Non-Generic Collections and Generic Collections in C#:

FeatureNon-Generic CollectionsGeneric Collections
Type SafetyNot type-safe, as they operate with objects (object)Type-safe, as they operate with specified data types
Compile-Time SafetyNo compile-time type checking; potential runtime errorsCompile-time type checking prevents type-related errors
Boxing/UnboxingRequires boxing/unboxing for value typesAvoids boxing/unboxing for value types (performance benefit)
ClarityLess clear and explicit due to reliance on objectMore clear and explicit due to specified data types
ReadabilityMay require explicit casting when retrieving elementsNo need for explicit casting when retrieving elements
PerformanceMay incur performance overhead due to boxing/unboxingBetter performance, especially with value types
Code ReusabilityLimited code reusability due to reliance on objectImproved code reusability with specified data types
ExamplesArrayList, Hashtable, Queue, StackList<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.

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