Property Modifier

Marc

I have a property with read/write capability. This particular property points to the log file. What I wanted to know is what is the best modifier to attach to my property "set," so that no one can modify it?

Example:

public static string writeToFile { get; internal set; }

public static string writeToFile { get; protected set; }

Is one of these better than the other? Or is there a better way to protect set?

7 Replies

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Vulpes11y ago
Accepted answer
You could achieve virtually the same thing as Michal has done with a 'normal' property by making the setter of the 'automatic' property private:

public static string writeToFile { get; private set; }

The only difference is that the property would have a default value of null rather than an empty string.

In C# 6. 0, you'll be able to do this instead:

public static string writeToFile{ get; } = "";

but we'll have to wait a bit longer to use that :)
Marc11y ago
thanks guys!
Vulpes11y ago
That's right.

In fact, I think that's how read-only automatic properties will work in C# 6.0. The compiler generated backing field for the property will be marked 'readonly' though this will only be evident if you're accessing it using reflection.
Michal Habalcik11y ago
if you mark the variable readonly, once set, noone is able to change it
Marc11y ago
Thanks for the help guys! I know I can set it to private and not allow anyone to see the variable, but is there a modifier so that the variable can't be changed at runtime?
Marc11y ago
thanks Michal. Don't know what I was thinking there
Michal Habalcik11y ago
what exactly do you mean by "not modify it"?

Did you think about not exposing the setter at all?

Something like:
private static string _whatever = String.Empty;

public static string writeToFile
{
get { return _whatever; }
}