Type.Gettypefromhandle() Method In C#

In this guide, we will explore the "Type.GetTypeFromHandle" method in C# along with its syntax, parameters, and sample illustrations.

What is the Type.GetTypeFromHandle method?

A fixed method within the Type class, called "Type.GetTypeFromHandle", is employed in C#. This method serves the purpose of retrieving a Type object from a runtime handle known as RuntimeTypeHandle. By employing this functionality, programmers can dynamically retrieve type details during program execution. This feature proves particularly advantageous in scenarios requiring type manipulation, dynamic code creation, and reflection.

Syntax:

It has the following syntax:

Retrieve the data type based on the provided RuntimeTypeHandle with the following method signature:

Parameters:

The runtime handle associated with the specific type to acquire the Type object is symbolized by a RuntimeTypeHandle entity.

Return Value:

The category linked with the provided runtime handle is a Type object. If the handle is invalid or does not match a valid type, the function will return null.

The "Type.GetTypeFromHandle" function is commonly employed when there is a need to dynamically retrieve a type during program execution, particularly when the type is not known during the compilation phase. This method is frequently utilized in scenarios involving serialization, deserialization, dynamic code generation, and operations based on reflection.

In certain scenarios, during program execution, specific details about an object's precise type may not be accessible at compile time. Developers can acquire the Type object that dynamically signifies a type by utilizing the "Type.GetTypeFromHandle" method along with the runtime handle of the type. This process becomes crucial when there is a necessity for dynamic handling or modification of type-related data within the code.

To prevent runtime errors in their software, developers need to effectively manage these scenarios.

Example 1:

Let's consider an instance to demonstrate the Type.GetTypeFromHandle technique in C#.

Example


using System;
class C# Tutorial
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Get the 'int' type's runtime handle.
        RuntimeTypeHandle h = typeof(int).TypeHandle;
        // Use GetTypeFromHandle to retrieve the Type object.
        Type t = Type.GetTypeFromHandle(h);
        // Display the full name of the retrieved type
        Console.WriteLine("Type name: " + t.FullName);
        // Get all public methods of the type
        Console.WriteLine("\nPublic methods of the type:");
        foreach (var method in t.GetMethods())
        {
            Console.WriteLine(method.Name);
        }
        // Obtain every public property of the typ
        Console.WriteLine("\nPublic properties of the type:");
        foreach (var property in t.GetProperties())
        {
            Console.WriteLine(property.Name);
        }
        // Verify whether the type is a value type.
        Console.WriteLine("\nIs the type a value type? " + t.IsValueType);
        // Verify whether the type is a generic type.
        Console.WriteLine("Is the type a generic type? " + t.IsGenericType);
        // Verify whether the type is an array type.
        Console.WriteLine("Is the type an array type? " + t.IsArray);
    }
}

Output:

Output


Type name: System.Int32
Public methods of the type:
CompareTo
CompareTo
Equals
Equals
GetHashCode
ToString
ToString
ToString
ToString
TryFormat
Parse
Parse
Parse
Parse
Parse
TryParse
TryParse
TryParse
TryParse
GetTypeCode
GetType
Public properties of the type:
Is the type a value type? True
Is the type a generic type? False
Is the type an array type? False

Explanation:

This code initially fetches the Type object related to the integer type, followed by showcasing the process of accessing its methods and properties to ascertain whether it is an array type, value type, or generic type based on its attributes. Running this code provides a comprehensive understanding of the C# integer type.

Example 2:

Let's consider another instance to demonstrate the Type.GetTypeFromHandle method within C#.