Why can't I use System.ValueType as a generics constraint?

Question

• Why can\'t I use a constraint of where T : System.ValueType?
• Why does Microsoft prevent this type from being a constraint?

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Answer 1

ValueType is not the base class of value types, it is simply a container for the value when it is boxed. Since it is a container class and not in any sort of hierarchy for the actual types you're wanting to use, it is not useful as a generic constraint.