Exploring New Language Features in Recent C# Versions
Jul 07, 2025 am 12:28 AM
C#'s new features improve code security, simplicity and maintainability. First, the Nullable reference type helps prevent null reference exceptions through compile-time checking, such as using the string? or null-forgiving operator for variables that may be null. Secondly, Records simplifies the creation of immutable models, automatically generates constructors, attributes and equality checks, and supports copy-modification mode. Finally, top-level statements reduce boilerplate code for small projects, allowing direct writing of entry logic without explicit Main methods. These improvements make C# more modern and efficient.
C# has been evolving pretty steadily over the past few versions, and if you've been using it for a while, you might have noticed that some of the newer features can really simplify your code or make it more expressive. Let's go through a few key additions in recent versions—like nullable reference types, records, and top-level statements—that are worth getting familiar with.
Nullable Reference Types Help Prevent Null-Related Bugs
Before C# 8, reference types were always nullable by default, which means you could assign null to them without any warnings. That often led to runtime exceptions if you weren't careful.
Now, with nullable reference types enabled (which they are by default in new projects), the compiler gives you warnings when it thinks you're not handling possible null values ??correctly.
For example:
string name = GetName(); // If GetName can return null, this will trigger a warning
You can fix this by updating the type to be explicitly nullable:
string? name = GetName();
And if you're sure the value won't be null, you can use the null-forgiving operator ( ! ) like so:
string name = GetName()!;
This feature doesn't change runtime behavior—it's all about catching potential issues earlier at compile time.
Records Make Immutable Models Simpler
If you've ever written a class just to hold data—like a DTO or model—you probably wrote a lot of boilerplate: properties, constructors, Equals , GetHashCode , etc. Records , introduced in C# 9, let you cut down on all that.
A basic record looks like this:
public record Person(string FirstName, string LastName);
That one line gives you:
- A constructor that takes both parameters
- Read-only properties
- Properly implemented equality checks
- A nice
ToString()output
You can also make records mutable if needed, but the main point is that they're designed for immutability and value-based equality out of the box.
One thing to note: when you create a new instance using with , it creates a copy:
var person1 = new Person("John", "Doe");
var person2 = person1 with { LastName = "Smith" };This makes working with immutable data much easier and less error-prone.
Top-Level Statements Reduce Boilerplate
Starting with C# 9, you can write programs without needing an explicit Main method. This is especially handy for small tools, scripts, or learning purposes.
Instead of writing:
class Program
{
static void Main()
{
Console.WriteLine("Hello World!");
}
}You can now do this:
Console.WriteLine("Hello World!"); Yes, that's it. The compiler handles the rest behind the scenes. It still generates a Main method, but you don't have to see it unless you need something more complex.
It's great for quick prototypes or simple console apps, but for larger applications, sticking with traditional structure might still be better for clarity and organization.
These features aren't game-changers on their own, but together they make writing and maintaining C# code a bit smoother. Nullable references help avoid common pitfalls, records reduce repetitive code, and top-level statements keep things clean for smaller projects.
Basically that's it.
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