**Overriding Custom Functions in C**
In this article, we will explore how to override custom functions in C, specifically the `Equals` and `ToString` methods. These functions are essential for comparing objects and printing their details, but they come with a catch - they are not automatically implemented like built-in types.
To start, let's consider what happens when we try to use the `==` operator on two custom class instances. If we don't override the `Equals` method, C will look for a `Equals` function in the object's type, which is why we have to do something extra just to print out the details of our objects.
This can be easily fixed by using our public override string ToString() function. This function contains exactly the same contents as our previous function except we won't have to go through an additional function just to print out the details. We can simply call it straight in the console like this.
For example, if we have a class called `Person`, we can create an instance of it and then use the `ToString()` method to print its details:
```csharp
Person person = new Person();
Console.WriteLine(person.ToString());
```
This will output something like `"John Doe, 30"`. As you can see, it's much easier to do than having to call a separate function just to get the details.
But that's not all - we can also override the `Equals` method to enable custom comparison between objects. This is useful when we want to check if two objects are equal or not.
For instance, let's say we have a dictionary of names and ages, and we want to add a new user to it without duplicating existing ones. We can use the `Equals` function to compare each value in the dictionary items with the one we're trying to add.
However, if we don't override the `Equals` method, C will look for a `Equals` function in the object's type and try to run it on the null reference exception. This is because C doesn't know that we're comparing two objects of different types.
To prevent this, we can use an if statement to check if the object is of type `Person` before running the comparison:
```csharp
if (person1.Equals(person2))
{
// do something
}
```
This way, we can avoid the null reference exception and ensure that our code runs smoothly.
**Custom Overloading**
In this article, we covered operator overloading, which allows us to change the parameters of a built-in operator like `==` or `+`. However, we also explored another form of overriding called "custom overriding", which is what we're discussing here.
This type of overriding is different from operator overloading because it involves creating our own implementation for a function like `Equals` or `ToString`, rather than modifying the built-in behavior of an operator.
As we've seen, using custom overriding can make our code more flexible and easier to read. We can add our own custom logic to functions like `Equals` and `ToString`, which are essential for comparing objects and printing their details.
In conclusion, custom overriding is a powerful tool in C that allows us to create more flexible and readable code. By understanding how to override functions like `Equals` and `ToString`, we can take control of the comparison process between objects and add our own custom logic to make our code more efficient and effective.
**Additional Tips and Best Practices**
If you're new to programming in C, it's essential to understand that custom classes don't come with built-in functionalities for comparing objects or printing their details. That's why we need to override functions like `Equals` and `ToString` ourselves.
One best practice is to use if statements to check if an object is of a certain type before running comparisons on it. This will prevent null reference exceptions and ensure that our code runs smoothly.
Another tip is to keep our custom overriding simple and straightforward. Don't overcomplicate the logic behind these functions, as it can make your code harder to understand and maintain.
Finally, remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to programming in C. The more you practice using custom classes and overriding functions like `Equals` and `ToString`, the more comfortable and proficient you'll become with these advanced concepts.