How can I run a static constructor?

Question

I\'d like to execute the static constructor of a class (i.e. I want to \"load\" the class) without creating an instance. How do I do that?

Bonus question: Are there

Answer 1

Just reference one of your static fields. This will force your static initialization code to run. For example:

public class MyClass
{
    private static readonly int someStaticField;

    static MyClass() => someStaticField = 1;

    // any no-op method call accepting your object will do fine
    public static void TouchMe() => GC.KeepAlive(someStaticField);
}

Usage:

// initialize statics
MyClass.TouchMe();