Skip to main content

Declaring Functions

Declaring Functions in C#

Functions are a critical component of any programming language, and C# is no exception. They allow you to write a block of code once and then reuse it whenever you need it in your program. This not only makes your code more efficient but also easier to read and maintain. In this article, we will learn how to declare functions in C#.

What is a Function?​

A function in C# is a block of code that performs a specific task. It is declared in a class and can be called by creating an object of that class. A function can take parameters and can also return a value.

Syntax of a Function​

The basic syntax for declaring a function in C# is as follows:

<access specifier> <return type> <function name>(<parameters>)
{
    // function body
}

Here's what each term in the syntax means:

  • Access specifier: This defines the visibility of a function i.e., where the function can be accessed from. Examples include public, private, protected, etc.
  • Return type: This specifies the type of the value the function will return. If a function does not return a value, use the keyword void.
  • Function name: This is the name of the function. It should be unique within the class.
  • Parameters: These are optional and represent values that can be passed into the function. Parameters are enclosed within parentheses and are separated by commas.

Example of a Function​

Here's an example of a function that adds two numbers and returns the result:

public int AddNumbers(int number1, int number2)
{
    int result = number1 + number2;
    return result;
}

In this function, public is the access specifier, int is the return type, AddNumbers is the function name, and (int number1, int number2) are the parameters. The function adds the two numbers and returns the result.

Calling a Function​

To call a function, you need to create an object of the class in which the function is declared. Here's how to call the AddNumbers function:

// create an object of the class
MyClass myObject = new MyClass();

// call the function
int result = myObject.AddNumbers(10, 20);

// print the result
Console.WriteLine(result); // output: 30

Conclusion​

Functions in C# are powerful and versatile. They help you organize your code into manageable pieces and make it reusable. Understanding how to declare and use functions is a key skill in C# programming.