Value Types vs Reference Types in C#

When learning C#, one of the most important distinctions to understand is between Value Types and Reference Types. This concept directly impacts memory allocation, performance, and application design.

🔹 What are Value Types?

• Value types store data directly.

• When you assign a value type variable to another, a copy of the value is created.

• Stored in the stack memory.

Examples:

• int, float, bool, char, struct, enum

Example in C#:

int x = 10;
int y = x;  // Copy created
y = 20;

Console.WriteLine(x); // 10
Console.WriteLine(y); // 20

✅ Here, x remains unaffected when y changes because they hold independent copies.

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🔹 What are Reference Types?

• Reference types store a reference (address) to the actual data.

• When assigned, both variables point to the same memory location.

• Stored in the heap memory (but the reference itself is on the stack).

Examples:

• class, object, string, interface, delegate

Example in C#:

class Person
{
    public string Name;
}

Person p1 = new Person();
p1.Name = “Shreya”;

Person p2 = p1;  // Reference assigned
p2.Name = “Logic Lense”;

Console.WriteLine(p1.Name); // Logic Lense
Console.WriteLine(p2.Name); // Logic Lense

✅ Both p1 and p2 point to the same memory location, so changes affect both.

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🔹 Key Differences (Table)

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🔹 Best Practices

• Use Value Types for small, short-lived data.

• Use Reference Types for large objects or when you need shared access.

• Always check for null in reference types to avoid exceptions.

• Consider struct for lightweight objects; class for complex behavior.

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🔹 Interview Questions

1. What is the difference between value and reference types in C#?

2. Where are value types and reference types stored in memory?

3. Can a value type be null?

4. Why is string a reference type but behaves like a value type in some cases?

5. What is the difference between struct and class?

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✅ Conclusion

Understanding the difference between Value Types and Reference Types helps you write more efficient, bug-free C# applications. This concept forms the foundation for memory management, performance tuning, and interview success.

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