Definition of Class and Struct
Class and Struct are both constructs in object-oriented programming that allow developers to create custom data types with associated properties and methods.
A class is a blueprint for an object, which defines a set of properties and methods that an object of that class will have. Classes are used to model real-world objects and concepts, and provide a way to organize and structure code.
A struct, short for structure, is a value type data structure that can contain a collection of fields of different data types. Structs are similar to classes, but have some key differences, including memory allocation and default values. Structs are commonly used to represent small, simple data structures, such as points in a coordinate system or color values in a digital image.
Purpose of Class and Struct
The primary purpose of a class is to encapsulate data and behavior, allowing for the creation of complex and modular code. Classes provide a way to organize code into logical units and define the properties and methods that an object of that class will have. Classes also allow for the implementation of encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism which are the fundamental concepts of object-oriented programming.
The primary purpose of a struct is to aggregate data of different types into a single unit, which can be easily passed around as a single value. Structs are commonly used to represent simple data structures, such as points in a coordinate system or color values in a digital image. They can also be used to group related data together, making it more organized and readable. Structs do not support inheritance and polymorphism but supports encapsulation.
Differences between Class and Struct
Access Modifiers: Classes support all access modifiers (public, private, protected and internal) while structs support only public and internal.
Inheritance: Classes support inheritance, which means that a class can inherit properties and methods from a parent class. Structs do not support inheritance, which means that a struct cannot inherit properties and methods from another struct or class.
Memory Allocation: Classes are reference types and are stored on the heap, which means that they are created and referenced by a pointer. Structs are value types and are stored on the stack, which means that they are created and referenced by their value.
Default Values: Classes have default values of null while structs have default values of their respective data type.
Operator Overloading : Classes support operator overloading while structs do not support.
Sealed/ Static : Classes can be declared as sealed and static while structs cannot.
Use Cases
When to Use Class: Classes are typically used for more complex data structures, such as objects that have multiple properties and methods, or need to support inheritance and polymorphism. They can also be used when you need to create multiple instances of an object that share the same properties and methods, but have different states.
When to Use Struct: Structs are best used for small data structures, such as points in a coordinate system or color values in a digital image. They are also useful when you want to group related data together and make it more organized and readable. They are also useful when you want to pass them as a value type, rather than a reference type, as structs are stored on the stack rather than the heap.
The choice of using class or struct is subjective and could vary based on the specific requirements of the project or the developer’s preference.
Conclusion
Class and Struct are similar in some ways, but have some key differences including access modifiers, inheritance, memory allocation, default values, operator overloading and sealed/static. Classes are reference types and are stored on the heap, while structs are value types and are stored on the stack. Classes support inheritance, encapsulation and polymorphism while structs do not support inheritance but support encapsulation.
The choice of whether to use a class or struct is subjective and depends on the specific requirements of the project. Classes are typically used for more complex data structures, while structs are best used for small data structures. When in doubt, it’s best to start with a struct and only use a class if the additional features of classes are needed. It’s also important to keep in mind the characteristics of each type, such as memory allocation and default values, in order to make the best choice for your project.
