C# Call By Value

In C#, the default approach for passing arguments to functions is call by value. This method involves duplicating the original parameter into a formal parameter. The call by value mechanism operates on this copied argument and does not have the ability to alter the initial data.

The CSS code snippet below defines the styling for a placeholder diagram:

Example


.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; }

If we aim to adjust the value of a parameter, it is altered solely within the current function. Consequently, any modifications made inside the parameter do not impact the original value.

Syntax

It has the following syntax.

Example


Return_type Method_Name (Arguments)

{

// block of code

}

Where,

✅ Return_type: It specifies the return type that the function returns.
✅ Method_Name: It defines the name of the function.
✅ Arguments: An argument is used to pass the original value in the main method when it is called.

Call by Value Example in C#

Let's consider a scenario to demonstrate the Call by Value concept in C#.

Example


using System;

class Program

{

    static void Main()

    {

        int data = 8;

        Change(data);

        Console.WriteLine("The value of the data is: " + data);

    }

    static void Change(int data)

    {

        data = 6;

    }

}

Output:

Output


The value of the data is: 8

Explanation:

In this instance, the data is set to 8 during initialization within the main function. Subsequently, the change function is invoked with data as an argument; however, since this function is passed by value, only a duplicate is altered within the change function. To conclude, the result is displayed using the Console.WriteLine method.

Another Call by Value Example in C#

Let's consider a different scenario to demonstrate the Call by Value approach in C#.

Example


using System;

class Program

{

    static void Main()

    {

        int number = 10;

        Console.WriteLine("Before method call, number = " + number);

        ChangeValue(number);

        Console.WriteLine("After the method call, number = " + number);

    }

    static void ChangeValue(int num)

    {

        num = 20;

        Console.WriteLine("Inside method, num = " + num);

    }

}

Output:

Output


Before method call, number = 10

Inside method, num = 20

After the method call, number = 10

Explanation:

In this instance, the data is set to 10 during the initialization within the primary function. Subsequently, the ChangeValue function is invoked with the data passed as an argument. However, when this function is invoked by value, only a duplicate is altered within the change function. Ultimately, the result is displayed by employing the Console.WriteLine function.

Advantages of Call by Value in C#

Several advantages of call by value in C# are as follows:

✅ The call by value does not modify the original variables.
✅ Whenever this function is called, it does not affect the original value of the actual arguments.
✅ It requires only those functions that only require to read data because it cannot modify them.
✅ It has no risk of memory leak.

Disadvantages of Call by Value in C#

Several disadvantages of call by value in C# are as follows:

✅ Call by value cannot be utilized when the original variable requires to be modified.
✅ It requires huge memory space while using large objects such as arrays, strings, structs, etc.
✅ It does not work efficiently with a dynamic memory location.

Difference between the Call by Value and Call by Reference in C#

Several variances between Call by Value and Call by Reference in C# are outlined below.

Features	Call by Value	Call by Reference
Value Passed	It is a copy of the value passed to the function.	An address of the value is passed to the function.
Data type	It is used for basic and simpledata types, including int, float, and char.	It is used for complex data types, such as arrays, structs, strings, etc.
Data Safe	The call by value is considered safer as the original data.	The call by reference is risky because it allows direct modification in original data
Memory Location	Actual and formal arguments will be created in different memory locations.	Actual and formal arguments will be created in the same memory location
Performance	It decreases the risk of leaking the data.	It increases the risk as compare the call by value.

Conclusion

In summary, C# call by value stands out as a crucial aspect that guarantees secure data passage without altering the initial variable. This feature offers enhanced management in preventing data leakage, particularly when maintaining the integrity of the original data is imperative.

C# Call by Value FAQs

1) What is Call by Value in C#?

In C#, the default method for passing the original value or data to a function is Call by Value. This approach involves duplicating the original parameter into a formal parameter.

2) What are the difference between the Call by Value and Call by Reference in C#?

The contrast between call by value and call by reference in C# can be understood as follows:

✅ Call by value involves passing a copy of the actual parameter value to the function, while call by reference allows passing the address of the parameter value.
✅ In call by value, changes made to the parameter within the function do not affect the original value outside the function.
✅ On the other hand, call by reference enables modifications to the parameter within the function to reflect in the original value outside the function as well.
✅ Call by value is the default behavior in C#, but call by reference can be explicitly specified using the ref keyword.

When using Call by Value, a duplicate of the value being passed to the function is created. This method applies to fundamental and uncomplicated data types such as integers, decimals, characters, and so on.

Pass by Reference: The function receives and works with the memory address of a value. This approach is commonly used for handling more intricate data types like arrays, structures, strings, and similar.

3) What is the basic syntax of call by value?

It has the following syntax.

Example


Return_type Method_Name (Arguments)

{

// block of code

}

Where,

✅ Return_type: It specifies the return type that the function returns.
✅ Method_Name: It defines the name of the function.
✅ Arguments: An argument is utilized to pass the original value in the main method when it is called.

4) What are the benefits of using call by value in C#?

In C#, there are various benefits of Call by Value which include:

Isolation: When using Call by Value, the original variable remains unaltered.

Safety: It has no risk of memory leak.

5) Is Call by Value the default behaviour in C#?

Yes, in C#, the default behavior is Call by Value.

Syntax

Call by Value Example in C#

Example

Another Call by Value Example in C#

Example

Advantages of Call by Value in C#

Disadvantages of Call by Value in C#

Difference between the Call by Value and Call by Reference in C#

Conclusion

C# Call by Value FAQs

Input Required