I understand the advantages of PROPERTIES over FIELDS, but I feel as though using AUTO-implemented properties over MANUAL implemented properties doesn\'t really provide any
Auto-implemented properties are not guaranteed to keep the same backing field name between builds. Therefore, it is theoretically possible that serializing an object in one version of an assembly, and then re-serializing that same object in another assembly could cause breaking changes.
This is highly unlikely, but it is a valid concern if you're trying to maintain the ability to "swap out" version of your assemblies for newer versions.
By using manually implemented properties, you're guaranteed that the backing field never changes (unless you change it specifically).
Aside from that minute difference, an auto-property is a normal property that is implemented automatically with a backing field.