Why Do C# Assignment Expressions Return Values?

Understanding C#'s Assignment Expression Return Values

In C#, assignment operators aren't merely statements; they're expressions that return a value after assigning it to a variable. This might seem unusual, as assignments are often treated as standalone actions.

Dispelling a Misconception

The notion that assignments shouldn't produce a return value is inaccurate. Value assignment in C# is handled through expressions, which inherently return a value.

The Rationale Behind Returning Values

The design choice to have assignment expressions return values offers two key advantages:

1. Code Conciseness: This feature significantly streamlines syntax. Consider this example:

int a, b, c;
a = b = c = 16;

The assignment c = 16 returns 16, which is then assigned to b, and subsequently to a. This eliminates redundancy and improves readability.

2. Established Programming Practice: Returning values from assignments is a standard practice in C-style languages. Observe this pattern:

string s = null;
while ((s = "Hello") != null) ;

The assignment s = "Hello" returns "Hello", enabling a concise comparison within the while loop's condition. This is a common and efficient coding style in C#.

Practical Applications

The return value characteristic of assignment expressions unlocks advanced programming techniques, including:

• Concise Member Definitions: Property accessors and method bodies can be defined using assignments, resulting in cleaner code.
• Efficient Value Chaining: Multiple assignments can be linked together, enabling streamlined value transfer between variables.

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