C# Tip: Enhanced using Declarations

Let’s talk about Enhanced using Declarations, introduced in C# 8, which allow disposable objects to be initialized more concisely, without the need for nested using blocks. See the example in the code below.

public class Program
{
    public static void Main()
    {
        using var file = new System.IO.StreamWriter("file.txt");
        file.WriteLine("Writing to the file without using blocks.");

        // The StreamWriter will automatically be closed at the end of the method
    }
}

Explanation:

In C# 8, Enhanced using Declarations simplify the use of objects that implement the IDisposable interface. Instead of needing to use using { } blocks that create a new scope, you can simply declare a using at the start of the method, and the object will automatically be disposed of when the method ends. This makes the code cleaner and reduces indentation, especially when there are multiple disposable objects in the same method.

This feature is particularly useful when working with resources such as files, network connections, or streams that need to be properly released after use.

I hope this tip helps you use Enhanced using Declarations to simplify the handling of disposable objects in your projects! Until next time.