What do ref, val and out mean on method parameters?

Question

I\'m looking for a clear, concise and accurate answer.

Ideally as the actual answer, although links to good explanations welcome.

This also applies to VB.N

Answer 1

out means that the parameter will be initialised by the method:

int result; //not initialised

if( int.TryParse( "123", out result ) )
   //result is now 123
else
   //if TryParse failed result has still be 
   // initialised to its default value (0)

ref will force the underlying reference to be passed:

void ChangeMyClass1( MyClass input ) {
   input.MyProperty = "changed by 1";
   input = null;
   //can't see input anymore ... 
   // I've only nulled my local scope's reference
}

void ChangeMyClass2( ref MyClass input ) {
   input.MyProperty = "changed by 2";
   input = null;
   //the passed reference is now null too.
}

MyClass tester = new MyClass { MyProperty = "initial value" };

ChangeMyClass1( tester );
// now tester.MyProperty is "changed by 1"

ChangeMyClass2( ref tester );
// now tester is null