C# Methods

In C#, a method is a block of code that performs a specific task or operation. It is a fundamental concept in programming that allows you to organize code into reusable and modular units. Methods define behaviors that can be executed when called from other parts of the program.

A method is a basic part of a program. It can solve a certain problem, eventually take parameters, and return a result.

Defining a Method

A method is defined with the following structure:


<access_modifier> <return_type> <method_name>(<parameters>)
{
    // Method body: code to be executed
}

Explanation:

  • Access Modifier: Specifies the visibility of the method (e.g., public, private, protected). It determines whether the method can be accessed from outside the class.
  • Return Type: Specifies the type of value that the method returns. This can be any valid type (int, double, string, void for no return, etc.). If a method doesn’t return a value, its return type is void.
  • Method Name: The identifier by which the method is called. It should follow the C# naming conventions.
  • Parameters: These are optional. They define the data that the method needs to perform its task. A method can have zero or more parameters, and they are passed to the method when it is called.
  • Method Body: The block of code that defines the functionality of the method.

Example: A simple method that multiply two numbers


public int MultiplyNumbers(int a, int b)
{
    return a * b;
}

Note: This method takes two integers, multiply them, and returns the result as an integer.

Calling a Method

You can call a method by using its name and passing the required arguments (if any).

Syntax:


<method_name>(<arguments>);

Example:


using System;

public class ProgramExample
{
    public int MultiplyNumbers(int a, int b)
    {
        return a * b;
    }

    public static void Main()
    {
        ProgramExample pe = new ProgramExample();
        int result = pe.MultiplyNumbers(10, 20);
        Console.WriteLine("The result is: " + result);  // Output: The result is: 200
    }
}

Output:

200

Method Return types and void methods

Void Methods: Methods that do not return any value.


public void Greetings()
{
    Console.WriteLine("Hello, Friends!");
}

Methods with Return Values: Methods that return a value of a specific type (e.g., int, string).


public int MultiplyNumbers(int a, int b)
{
    return a * b;
}

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