Value types are stored directly on the stack, either within an array or within another type. When the location containing a value type instance is destroyed, the value type instance is also destroyed. Value types are always accessed directly; it is not possible to create a reference to a value type. Prohibiting such a reference makes it impossible to refer to a value class instance that has been destroyed. A variable of a value type always contains a value of that type. Unlike reference types, the value of a value type cannot be a null reference, nor can it reference an object of a more derived type. Assignment to a variable of a value type creates a copy of the value being assigned.
Reference types are stored on the run-time heap; they may only be accessed through a reference to that storage. This allows the garbage collector to track outstanding references to a particular instance and free the instance when no references remain. A variable of reference type always contains a reference to a value of that type or a null reference. A null reference refers to nothing; it is invalid to do anything with a null reference except assign it. Assignment to a variable of a reference type creates a copy of the reference, not a copy of the value being referenced.
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| Author: Bunty 25 Jun 2008 | Member Level: Diamond Points : 2 |
Hi,
Nice defination on Value type and Reference type.
You clearly explain where value type is stored and reference
type.
You can include more on it like boxing and un-boxing.
Also you can include examples like object,array are reference type in .Net like that.
By the way Keep Posting.
Thanks and Regards
S.S.Bajoria
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| Author: Rajeev Kumar Dubey 30 Jun 2008 | Member Level: Silver Points : 0 |
thanks good definition
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| Author: Sriram 05 Oct 2008 | Member Level: Gold Points : 2 |
Value Types: The Actual value of the Variable Stored on Stack is called Value Types.
Stack is a small memory area.Value Types access Directly to the Data.
Value types Examples:
String
int
long
short
reference Type:
The Value of the Variable stored on heap is called Reference Type.The Value of the Variable called on Head.
Examples:
class
delegates
Events
enum.
thanks
SriramRamaswamy
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