What are the Default Access Modifiers in C#?

By: Rajesh P.S.

In C#, default access modifiers are used when an explicit access modifier is not specified for a type or type member. The default access modifiers vary depending on the context in which they are used. Let's explore the default access modifiers for different elements in C#:

Class and Struct Members

For class and struct members (fields, methods, properties, and events), the default access modifier is private. This means that if no access modifier is explicitly specified, the member will be accessible only within the same class or struct.

public class MyClass { int myField; // Default access modifier is private private void MyMethod() { // Method implementation } }

In the above example, the myField field and MyMethod() method have the default access modifier of private. They can only be accessed within the MyClass class.

Class and Struct

For classes and structs themselves, the default access modifier is internal. This means that if no access modifier is specified, the class or struct will be accessible only within the same assembly (or project in Visual Studio).

class MyClass // Default access modifier is internal { // Class members and methods }

In the above example, the MyClass class has the default access modifier of internal, making it accessible only within the same assembly.

Interfaces and Enumerations

Interfaces and enumerations have different default access modifiers:

Interfaces: The default access modifier for interfaces is public. If no access modifier is specified, the interface is accessible from any code that can access the declaring namespace or assembly.

interface IMyInterface { // Interface members }

In the above example, the IMyInterface interface has the default access modifier of public.

Enumerations: The default access modifier for enumerations (enums) is also public. If no access modifier is specified, the enumeration is accessible from any code that can access the declaring namespace or assembly.

enum MyEnum { // Enumeration values }

In the above example, the MyEnum enumeration has the default access modifier of public.

Default Access Modifiers in C# vb.net asp.net

Conclusion

It's important to note that the default access modifiers can be overridden by explicitly specifying a different access modifier. Using explicit access modifiers is recommended for clarity and to ensure proper encapsulation and access control in your code.

Next > What is a sealed class in C#?

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