Question

Guys i just started to learn C# and i have no idea about “this” reference in c# someone can give me a very simple example in real life. I mean why do i need to use “this” in C# or where can i use “this” what is the benefit?

Thanks.

Answer 1

The this keyword eliminates the need to have unique variable names for constructors.

Oftentimes, you already named a variable well and to have a unique name for the constructor, you would either have to come up with a new name or otherwise mar the good one you have.

In addition, it allows you to name local variables and instance variables the same and have a way to use the one you wish.

For example:

public class Foo
{
    //instance variable
    private String myVar;

    public Foo(String myVar)
    {
        this.myVar = myVar;
    }

    public void someFunc()
    {
        String myVar = "Hello";// local variable
        this.myVar = "World";//instance variable
        Console.WriteLine(myVar + this.myVar);//prints HelloWorld
    }
}

In C++ ‘this’ is a pointer, so you would need to reference members using the ‘->’ operator.