How can you use optional parameters in C#?

Question

^{Note: This question was asked at a time when C# did not yet support optional parameters (i.e. before C# 4).}

We\'re building a web API tha

Answer 1

optional parameters are for methods. if you need optional arguments for a class and you are:

• using c# 4.0: use optional arguments in the constructor of the class, a solution i prefer, since it's closer to what is done with methods, so easier to remember. here's an example:

  class myClass
  {
      public myClass(int myInt = 1, string myString =
                             "wow, this is cool: i can have a default string")
      {
          // do something here if needed
      }
  }
  

• using c# versions previous to c#4.0: you should use constructor chaining (using the :this keyword), where simpler constructors lead to a "master constructor". example:

  class myClass
  {
      public myClass()
      {
      // this is the default constructor
      }
  
      public myClass(int myInt)
          : this(myInt, "whatever")
      {
          // do something here if needed
      }
      public myClass(string myString)
          : this(0, myString)
      {
          // do something here if needed
      }
      public myClass(int myInt, string myString)
      {
          // do something here if needed - this is the master constructor
      }
  }