
## Introduction

Modern C# can remove boilerplate, but concise code is only useful when it remains clear and safe.

This post focuses on practical feature usage in production.

## 1) Records for immutable data

```csharp
public record OrderDto(int Id, string CustomerName, decimal Total);
public readonly record struct Money(decimal Amount, string Currency);
```

Use records for DTOs and value objects where immutability and value equality are beneficial.

## 2) Pattern matching for clearer branching

```csharp
public string GetStatusMessage(Order order) => order.Status switch
{
    OrderStatus.Pending => "Your order is being processed.",
    OrderStatus.Shipped => $"Shipped on {order.ShippedDate:d}.",
    OrderStatus.Delivered => "Delivered!",
    OrderStatus.Cancelled => "This order was cancelled.",
    _ => "Unknown status."
};
```

Compared to nested `if/else`, this is easier to scan and extend.

## 3) Collection expressions (C# 12)

```csharp
List<string> statuses = ["Active", "Inactive", "Pending"];
```

Prefer this syntax for concise collection initialization.

## 4) Raw string literals for SQL/JSON/templates

```csharp
string query = """
    SELECT Id, Name, Email
    FROM Customers
    WHERE IsActive = 1
    ORDER BY Name
    """;
```

Great for readability when strings contain quotes/newlines.

## 5) Primary constructors: when to use and avoid

Primary constructors reduce boilerplate, especially in DI-heavy services.

```csharp
public class OrderService(IOrderRepository repo, ILogger<OrderService> logger)
{
    public async Task<Order?> GetByIdAsync(int id, CancellationToken ct)
    {
        logger.LogInformation("Fetching order {OrderId}", id);
        return await repo.GetByIdAsync(id, ct);
    }
}
```

### Important tradeoff

Primary constructor parameters are captured and can be reassigned inside the class body.

If you need strict `readonly` guarantees, constructor validation, or overloads, prefer a traditional constructor with private `readonly` fields.

```csharp
public class PriceCalculator
{
    private readonly decimal _taxRate;

    public PriceCalculator(decimal taxRate)
    {
        ArgumentOutOfRangeException.ThrowIfNegativeOrZero(taxRate);
        _taxRate = taxRate;
    }
}
```

## Decision guide

Use **primary constructor** when:

- class is simple
- dependency injection is straightforward
- no complex initialization required

Use **traditional constructor** when:

- you need guard clauses and transformations
- you require `readonly` field safety
- you need multiple constructor overloads

## Summary

Modern C# features are powerful, but they are tools, not goals. Choose the feature that improves clarity and correctness for your specific class design.


Use modern C# features like records, pattern matching, collection expressions, and primary constructors without sacrificing maintainability.

Language Features

Modern C# Features That Improve Code Readability — Clean Code