Using ByRef keyword

[Chris Quick]

I am writing a class that should have the ability to modify the members of another class. I am wondering if ByRef will allow this functionality. Thanks for any info...

[Dave Kreskowiak]

ByRef can only be used in Sub and Function parameter passing. If ObjectB is passed to a method in ClassA ByRef, then that method can get to that instance of ObjectB.

Dim b As Integer = 23
ModifySomething(b)
Debug.WriteLine("The value of b is: " & b.ToString())

Private Sub ModifySomething(ByRef someInt As Integer)
someInt = 99
End Sub

-----8<------------------------------------------------

Output:
The value of b is: 99

RageInTheMachine9532 "...a pungent, ghastly, stinky piece of cheese!" -- The Roaming Gnome

[Chris Quick]

So, is the following idea permitted?

Public Class Form1
Private Function SaveObject()
Object.Save()
End Private
End Class

Public Class Object
' ... members, properties and constructors ...

Public Property DataID as Integer
      ' ... Get and Set the DataID
End Property

Public Sub Save()
   Dim DataSaver as New ObjectDataLogic
   DataSaver.Save(Me)
End Sub

End Class

Public Class ObjectDataLogic
' ... members, properties and constructors ...
Public Sub Save(ByRef Object as Object)
' ... save to the database and return get the new ID
Object.DataID = NewID
End Public
End Class

I want the data logic and the business object on two seperate tiers. Would this be considered good design or is there a better way to accomplish this? Any issues that could arise from this approach? I am seeking any additional resources that are out there! Thanks!

[Steven Campbell]

Passing objects byref is pointless 99% of the time. You do not need to pass byref in order to be able to modify the object properties. It is the most misused keyword in VB, which is why the VB.NET team switched the default from ByRef to ByVal.

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