Pattern matching in C# is a powerful feature that was first introduced in C# 7, enabling developers to match data types and extract values from expressions with ease. This functionality allows for more concise and readable code, particularly when working with complex data structures. Pattern matching can be applied to various data types, including custom types, making it a versatile tool in the developer’s toolbox.
In C# 8, pattern matching received significant enhancements, including the introduction of new pattern types that expanded its capabilities. These additions enabled developers to perform more sophisticated pattern matching operations with minimal code. However, it was in C# 9 that pattern matching truly reached new heights with the inclusion of relational and logical patterns, allowing developers to match more complex conditions and improve code flow.
To effectively understand and implement these advanced patterns in C# 9, this article will walk through the newly added features, demonstrating practical examples and explaining how they can be leveraged to streamline development. Code examples are provided throughout to illustrate how these patterns work in real-world scenarios, making it easier for developers to integrate them into their own projects.
Before diving into the examples, it’s important to have Visual Studio 2019 set up on your machine. If you don’t have it installed, you can download it from the official website. Once Visual Studio is ready, you can begin by creating a .NET Core console application project, which will serve as the foundation for the examples presented in this article.