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Pointless .Net Feature of the Day

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  • realJSOPR realJSOP

    Partial methods. I'll let you do your own research, but I cannot identify a single case where the use of a partial method would be beneficial, desired, or warranted.

    ".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
    -----
    You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
    -----
    When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013

    OriginalGriffO Offline
    OriginalGriffO Offline
    OriginalGriff
    wrote on last edited by
    #3

    It's for use in a partial class, so you could declare the partial method in the designer code for a WinForms app for example, and implement it in the user defined code for the same class. The difference is that the method can be called from the designer code because it will compile cleanly. This is still the case if the implementation of the partial method is never provided: the compiler will remove the partial method and the call to it if the concrete version is not written, and you still won't get a compiler error. Think of it as a sort-of optional private abstract method and you're about there.

    Sent from my Amstrad PC 1640 Never throw anything away, Griff Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay... AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!

    "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
    "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

    S J 2 Replies Last reply
    0
    • realJSOPR realJSOP

      Partial methods. I'll let you do your own research, but I cannot identify a single case where the use of a partial method would be beneficial, desired, or warranted.

      ".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
      -----
      You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
      -----
      When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013

      G Offline
      G Offline
      GKP1992
      wrote on last edited by
      #4

      Where is YAGNI when you need it. Google trends[^] results sort of agree with your feelings, as do I.

      M 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • realJSOPR realJSOP

        Partial methods. I'll let you do your own research, but I cannot identify a single case where the use of a partial method would be beneficial, desired, or warranted.

        ".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
        -----
        You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
        -----
        When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013

        R Offline
        R Offline
        RugbyLeague
        wrote on last edited by
        #5

        It's mostly for generated code

        realJSOPR 1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • C CPallini

          At first glance, it looks they are coming back to the hatred C/C++ header/source file mechanism. :laugh:

          D Offline
          D Offline
          den2k88
          wrote on last edited by
          #6

          CPallini wrote:

          they are coming back to the hatred rational, sensible, beloved C/C++ header/source file

          FTFY

          GCS d--(d+) s-/++ a C++++ U+++ P- L+@ E-- W++ N+ o+ K- w+++ O? M-- V? PS+ PE- Y+ PGP t+ 5? X R+++ tv-- b+(+++) DI+++ D++ G e++ h--- r+++ y+++*      Weapons extension: ma- k++ F+2 X

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • realJSOPR realJSOP

            Partial methods. I'll let you do your own research, but I cannot identify a single case where the use of a partial method would be beneficial, desired, or warranted.

            ".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
            -----
            You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
            -----
            When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013

            M Offline
            M Offline
            Marc Clifton
            wrote on last edited by
            #7

            The cool thing in the code below is that if you don't define LOGGING, not only does the partial method go away, but any calls to the method are also removed.

            #define LOGGING

            using System;

            namespace PartialMethodTest
            {
            partial class Foo
            {
            partial void Log(string msg);

                public void DoSomething()
                {
                    Log("Fizbin");
                }
            }
            

            #if LOGGING
            partial class Foo
            {
            partial void Log(string msg)
            {
            Console.WriteLine(msg);
            }
            }
            #endif

            class Program
            {
                static void Main(string\[\] args)
                {
                    new Foo().DoSomething();
                }
            }
            

            }

            Latest Article - A Concise Overview of Threads Learning to code with python is like learning to swim with those little arm floaties. It gives you undeserved confidence and will eventually drown you. - DangerBunny Artificial intelligence is the only remedy for natural stupidity. - CDP1802

            C Kornfeld Eliyahu PeterK realJSOPR Richard DeemingR A 5 Replies Last reply
            0
            • R RugbyLeague

              It's mostly for generated code

              realJSOPR Offline
              realJSOPR Offline
              realJSOP
              wrote on last edited by
              #8

              It's still pointless.

              ".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
              -----
              You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
              -----
              When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013

              R S 2 Replies Last reply
              0
              • M Marc Clifton

                The cool thing in the code below is that if you don't define LOGGING, not only does the partial method go away, but any calls to the method are also removed.

                #define LOGGING

                using System;

                namespace PartialMethodTest
                {
                partial class Foo
                {
                partial void Log(string msg);

                    public void DoSomething()
                    {
                        Log("Fizbin");
                    }
                }
                

                #if LOGGING
                partial class Foo
                {
                partial void Log(string msg)
                {
                Console.WriteLine(msg);
                }
                }
                #endif

                class Program
                {
                    static void Main(string\[\] args)
                    {
                        new Foo().DoSomething();
                    }
                }
                

                }

                Latest Article - A Concise Overview of Threads Learning to code with python is like learning to swim with those little arm floaties. It gives you undeserved confidence and will eventually drown you. - DangerBunny Artificial intelligence is the only remedy for natural stupidity. - CDP1802

                C Offline
                C Offline
                CPallini
                wrote on last edited by
                #9

                Quote:

                but any calls to the method are also removed.

                Wouldn't that be disastrous if the method is intended to produce side-effects?

                D M M 3 Replies Last reply
                0
                • C CPallini

                  Quote:

                  but any calls to the method are also removed.

                  Wouldn't that be disastrous if the method is intended to produce side-effects?

                  D Offline
                  D Offline
                  den2k88
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #10

                  CPallini wrote:

                  if the method is intended to produce side-effects

                  If the programmer is a donkey, giving him/her a compiler is disastrous.

                  GCS d--(d+) s-/++ a C++++ U+++ P- L+@ E-- W++ N+ o+ K- w+++ O? M-- V? PS+ PE- Y+ PGP t+ 5? X R+++ tv-- b+(+++) DI+++ D++ G e++ h--- r+++ y+++*      Weapons extension: ma- k++ F+2 X

                  C 1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • D den2k88

                    CPallini wrote:

                    if the method is intended to produce side-effects

                    If the programmer is a donkey, giving him/her a compiler is disastrous.

                    GCS d--(d+) s-/++ a C++++ U+++ P- L+@ E-- W++ N+ o+ K- w+++ O? M-- V? PS+ PE- Y+ PGP t+ 5? X R+++ tv-- b+(+++) DI+++ D++ G e++ h--- r+++ y+++*      Weapons extension: ma- k++ F+2 X

                    C Offline
                    C Offline
                    CPallini
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #11

                    Unless you are haskelling yourself too much, most methods do have side effects.

                    D 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • M Marc Clifton

                      The cool thing in the code below is that if you don't define LOGGING, not only does the partial method go away, but any calls to the method are also removed.

                      #define LOGGING

                      using System;

                      namespace PartialMethodTest
                      {
                      partial class Foo
                      {
                      partial void Log(string msg);

                          public void DoSomething()
                          {
                              Log("Fizbin");
                          }
                      }
                      

                      #if LOGGING
                      partial class Foo
                      {
                      partial void Log(string msg)
                      {
                      Console.WriteLine(msg);
                      }
                      }
                      #endif

                      class Program
                      {
                          static void Main(string\[\] args)
                          {
                              new Foo().DoSomething();
                          }
                      }
                      

                      }

                      Latest Article - A Concise Overview of Threads Learning to code with python is like learning to swim with those little arm floaties. It gives you undeserved confidence and will eventually drown you. - DangerBunny Artificial intelligence is the only remedy for natural stupidity. - CDP1802

                      Kornfeld Eliyahu PeterK Offline
                      Kornfeld Eliyahu PeterK Offline
                      Kornfeld Eliyahu Peter
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #12

                      I'm not sure such a code-remove by the compiler is 'cool'... While removing unused code while optimizing is good thing, removing unimplemented code just because it signed 'partial' definitely illogical... And to be honest - why would I define a private method and not implement it? It is definitely smells like a language feature added to support half-visual development with code generators... Outside of that context I see it very disturbing...

                      "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge". Stephen Hawking, 1942- 2018

                      "It never ceases to amaze me that a spacecraft launched in 1977 can be fixed remotely from Earth." ― Brian Cox

                      C OriginalGriffO 2 Replies Last reply
                      0
                      • realJSOPR realJSOP

                        It's still pointless.

                        ".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
                        -----
                        You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
                        -----
                        When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013

                        R Offline
                        R Offline
                        RugbyLeague
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #13

                        I can't say I have ever found a use for it - although that might be because I didn't know it existed until your post :)

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • Kornfeld Eliyahu PeterK Kornfeld Eliyahu Peter

                          I'm not sure such a code-remove by the compiler is 'cool'... While removing unused code while optimizing is good thing, removing unimplemented code just because it signed 'partial' definitely illogical... And to be honest - why would I define a private method and not implement it? It is definitely smells like a language feature added to support half-visual development with code generators... Outside of that context I see it very disturbing...

                          "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge". Stephen Hawking, 1942- 2018

                          C Offline
                          C Offline
                          CPallini
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #14

                          Yes, code generators me think.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • Kornfeld Eliyahu PeterK Kornfeld Eliyahu Peter

                            I'm not sure such a code-remove by the compiler is 'cool'... While removing unused code while optimizing is good thing, removing unimplemented code just because it signed 'partial' definitely illogical... And to be honest - why would I define a private method and not implement it? It is definitely smells like a language feature added to support half-visual development with code generators... Outside of that context I see it very disturbing...

                            "The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge". Stephen Hawking, 1942- 2018

                            OriginalGriffO Offline
                            OriginalGriffO Offline
                            OriginalGriff
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #15

                            The people defining and the people using may be different people - this is only applicable to partial classes, remember - so there is a very good chance that the partial definition and its implementation are in different files, just as InitializeComponent is defined in the designer.cs file of a WinForms app, and called from the .cs file. I've not used it, but I can see advantages in a "team written" class, in that I write a "frame" which calls partial methods that are implemented by other team members in different files. As has been mentioned, it could be very useful for automated designers, allowing the user to define methods only when he needs them without having to mess around with delegates. Or tracing information only available in debug builds, which isn't even called in release giving slightly higher performance.

                            Sent from my Amstrad PC 1640 Never throw anything away, Griff Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay... AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!

                            "I have no idea what I did, but I'm taking full credit for it." - ThisOldTony
                            "Common sense is so rare these days, it should be classified as a super power" - Random T-shirt

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • realJSOPR realJSOP

                              Partial methods. I'll let you do your own research, but I cannot identify a single case where the use of a partial method would be beneficial, desired, or warranted.

                              ".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
                              -----
                              You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
                              -----
                              When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013

                              J Offline
                              J Offline
                              Johnny J
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #16

                              Dunno. If I had a method whereby I could do just a part of my work, that would definitely be desired... :rolleyes:

                              Anything that is unrelated to elephants is irrelephant
                              Anonymous
                              -----
                              The problem with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine
                              Winston Churchill, 1944
                              -----
                              Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.
                              Mark Twain

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • C CPallini

                                Unless you are haskelling yourself too much, most methods do have side effects.

                                D Offline
                                D Offline
                                den2k88
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #17

                                "Side" effects are really something that need to be reduced. Methods should have only intended effects and possibly no side effect. If a method is to be implemented by the user of a class then it is part of the 'contract' to be respected when writing the user component - meaning it's up to the end user (programmer) to implement all the required effects and side effects.

                                GCS d--(d+) s-/++ a C++++ U+++ P- L+@ E-- W++ N+ o+ K- w+++ O? M-- V? PS+ PE- Y+ PGP t+ 5? X R+++ tv-- b+(+++) DI+++ D++ G e++ h--- r+++ y+++*      Weapons extension: ma- k++ F+2 X

                                C 1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • realJSOPR realJSOP

                                  Partial methods. I'll let you do your own research, but I cannot identify a single case where the use of a partial method would be beneficial, desired, or warranted.

                                  ".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
                                  -----
                                  You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
                                  -----
                                  When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013

                                  P Offline
                                  P Offline
                                  PIEBALDconsult
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #18

                                  I agree.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • D den2k88

                                    "Side" effects are really something that need to be reduced. Methods should have only intended effects and possibly no side effect. If a method is to be implemented by the user of a class then it is part of the 'contract' to be respected when writing the user component - meaning it's up to the end user (programmer) to implement all the required effects and side effects.

                                    GCS d--(d+) s-/++ a C++++ U+++ P- L+@ E-- W++ N+ o+ K- w+++ O? M-- V? PS+ PE- Y+ PGP t+ 5? X R+++ tv-- b+(+++) DI+++ D++ G e++ h--- r+++ y+++*      Weapons extension: ma- k++ F+2 X

                                    C Offline
                                    C Offline
                                    CPallini
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #19

                                    Intended-side-effects were intended :-D. That is side-effects in the functional meaning (in constrast with 'pure' functions, Haskell was the hint). Unintended side effects are just evil.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • C CPallini

                                      Quote:

                                      but any calls to the method are also removed.

                                      Wouldn't that be disastrous if the method is intended to produce side-effects?

                                      M Offline
                                      M Offline
                                      Mladen Jankovic
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #20

                                      Judging by the restrictions imposed on partial methods: they cannot have return value (only void) or out parameters, they are intended to have side effects. Whether or not it is disastrous to skip side effect is another question. In original example (logging) it is not.

                                      C 1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • realJSOPR realJSOP

                                        Partial methods. I'll let you do your own research, but I cannot identify a single case where the use of a partial method would be beneficial, desired, or warranted.

                                        ".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
                                        -----
                                        You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
                                        -----
                                        When you pry the gun from my cold dead hands, be careful - the barrel will be very hot. - JSOP, 2013

                                        Sander RosselS Offline
                                        Sander RosselS Offline
                                        Sander Rossel
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #21

                                        It was heavily used in Entity Framework DB First. I've used them a lot to extend generated classes with my own code. I've never used it for my own classes or outside of generated code.

                                        Best, Sander sanderrossel.com Continuous Integration, Delivery, and Deployment arrgh.js - Bringing LINQ to JavaScript Object-Oriented Programming in C# Succinctly

                                        realJSOPR M 2 Replies Last reply
                                        0
                                        • OriginalGriffO OriginalGriff

                                          It's for use in a partial class, so you could declare the partial method in the designer code for a WinForms app for example, and implement it in the user defined code for the same class. The difference is that the method can be called from the designer code because it will compile cleanly. This is still the case if the implementation of the partial method is never provided: the compiler will remove the partial method and the call to it if the concrete version is not written, and you still won't get a compiler error. Think of it as a sort-of optional private abstract method and you're about there.

                                          Sent from my Amstrad PC 1640 Never throw anything away, Griff Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay... AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!

                                          S Offline
                                          S Offline
                                          Slacker007
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #22

                                          Right. We use partial classes/methods all the time with EF. You extend and EF entity with extra properties and methods if needed. The entity can change in EF, but the partial class/method remains the same. Very useful. use it all the time.

                                          1 Reply Last reply
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