Decimal.Gethashcode Method In C#

In this guide, you will explore the Decimal.GetHashCode method in C# including its syntax, sample implementations, and practical uses.

What is the Decimal.GetHashCode method?

The Decimal.GetHashCode Method offers a means to generate a hash code for a decimal value. Hash codes play a crucial role in programming applications, such as storing data, performing comparisons, and managing hash-based data structures like dictionaries and hash sets. This method delves into its significance, practical applications, and ramifications within the wider scope of C# programming.

The GetHashCode function is included in the System.Object class within C#. Serving as the foundational class for all data types, this method's main function is to produce a hash code for an object by evaluating its internal content. Invoking this method on a decimal value will result in a 32-bit signed integer hash code that symbolizes the specific Decimal instance. This hash code is calculated using the decimal value's internal structure.

A hash code is a numerical representation of an object's data. It is frequently employed for rapid and effective equality validations, like storing items in hash collections or conducting comparisons. Ideally, each object should have a distinct hash code, while objects deemed equal should produce the same hash code.

Syntax:

It has the following syntax:

public override int GetHashCode();

The data type returned by the GetHashCode function is an integer. It provides the calculated hash code for the numerical value without requiring any input parameters.

Example:

Let's consider a basic C# code snippet to showcase the Decimal.GetHashCode Method.

using System;
class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Taking decimal variables with fractional parts
        decimal dec1 = 222024.78549M;
        // Getting the hash code for Decimal using GetHashCode() method
        int result = dec1.GetHashCode();
        // Displaying the hash code for the Decimal
        Console.WriteLine("HashCode for Decimal is: {0}", result);
    }
}

Output:

The <style> section below illustrates a CSS snippet for a placeholder diagram:

.placeholder-diagram { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #374151 0%, #1f2937 100%); border-radius: 12px; padding: 40px; margin: 20px 0; text-align: center; }
.placeholder-diagram .placeholder-icon { font-size: 3rem; margin-bottom: 10px; }
.placeholder-diagram .placeholder-text { color: #9ca3af; font-size: 1rem; }

This snippet highlights the styling properties for a placeholder diagram.

Explanation:

The C# code initiates a decimal variable named dec1, assigned a value of 222024.78549M, which signifies a decimal number with a fractional component. Following this, the program invokes the GetHashCode function on dec1 to acquire its hash code and saves this outcome in an integer variable called result. Later, the code exhibits the computed hash code for the decimal value on the console through the use of Console.WriteLine. The GetHashCode function, inherited from the Object base class, provides an integer that symbolizes the hash code of the Decimal, enabling streamlined processes such as hash-based collections or equivalence evaluations.

Example 2:

Let's consider a different C# program to demonstrate the Decimal.GetHashCode method.

using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
class ShoppingCartItem
{
    public string ItemName { get; set; }
    public decimal Price { get; set; }

    public override int GetHashCode()
    {
        return Price.GetHashCode(); // Using Decimal.GetHashCode for simplicity
    }
}
class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Simulating a shopping cart with items
        ShoppingCartItem item1 = new ShoppingCartItem { ItemName = "Product A", Price = 29.99m };
        ShoppingCartItem item2 = new ShoppingCartItem { ItemName = "Product B", Price = 15.50m };
        ShoppingCartItem item3 = new ShoppingCartItem { ItemName = "Product C", Price = 29.99m }; // Same price as item1
        // Displaying information about items in the shopping cart
        DisplayItemInfo(item1);
        DisplayItemInfo(item2);
        DisplayItemInfo(item3);
        // Checking equality based on hash codes
        CheckEquality(item1, item2);
        CheckEquality(item1, item3);
    }
    static void DisplayItemInfo(ShoppingCartItem item)
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"Item: {item.ItemName}, Price: {item.Price:C}, Hash Code: {item.GetHashCode()}");
        Console.WriteLine();
    }
    static void CheckEquality(ShoppingCartItem item1, ShoppingCartItem item2)
    {
        if (item1.GetHashCode() == item2.GetHashCode())
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"{item1.ItemName} and {item2.ItemName} are considered equal based on their prices.");
        }
        else
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"{item1.ItemName} and {item2.ItemName} are not equal based on their prices.");
        }
        Console.WriteLine();
    }
}

Output:

The CSS code snippet below illustrates a placeholder diagram with a stylish design. The diagram features a gradient background, rounded corners, ample padding, and centered text alignment. Additionally, it includes an icon with a font size of 3rem and accompanying text styled in a color of #9ca3af and a font size of 1rem.

Explanation:

The C# code creates a ShoppingCartItem class that defines items within a shopping cart, containing attributes for the name and price of the item. Within this class, the GetHashCode method is customized to compute the hash code by leveraging Decimal.GetHashCode for a straightforward approach.

In the Main function, three instances of a shopping cart item are instantiated, each with a distinct name and price. Following this, the software showcases data regarding each item, incorporating the computed hash code. The CheckEquality function evaluates hash codes to establish if items are deemed equivalent depending on their prices. The DisplayItemInfo function exhibits specifics of each item, such as its name, price, and hash code. The hash codes aid in streamlined equality comparisons and illustrate similarities or differences between items with either matching or varying prices.

Uses and Applications of the Decimal.GetHashCode method:

Some primary purposes and practical implementations of the Decimal.GetHashCode method include:

Hash-Based Collections:

Handling a set of monetary transactions involving decimal values.

Utilize the GetHashCode method to effectively store and fetch transactions in a Dictionary<decimal, Transaction> structured according to their amounts.

Equality Comparisons:

Identifying items with identical prices within a diverse selection of products.

Utilize the GetHashCode method to expedite equality comparisons, guaranteeing that products with matching prices have identical hash codes.

Caching and Memoization:

Example: Executing intricate computations using decimal values.

Utilize the GetHashCode method to produce hash codes for input values, aiding in caching and preventing unnecessary recalculations.

Comparisons in LINQ Queries:

Filtering or organizing data in LINQ queries according to decimal values.

Utilize the GetHashCode method within LINQ queries to optimize comparisons and grouping, ultimately improving overall performance.