Chapter 10: Extension methods

• What are extension methods in C#?

  They allow us to extend existing classes and interfaces with new methods.
• How did the introduction of extension methods impact LINQ?

  It allowed for the development of LINQ.
• Why are extension methods important in MonoGame programming?

  They enable the creation of methods that can be used with Texture2D objects.
• What is a common operation performed on Texture2D objects?

  Selecting the source rectangle to cut out a single sprite.
• How does an extension method allow us to use a method as if it belongs to a class?

  It uses syntactical sugar to call a static method with dot notation.
• What must be true about the class where extension methods are declared?

  Extension methods can only be declared in static classes.
• What keyword is used in the first argument of an extension method?

  The this keyword.
• What does the first argument of an extension method identify?

  The type to which the extension method applies.
• What access do extension methods have to the class they extend?

  They only have access to the public members of that class.
• Can extension methods be applied to interfaces?

  Yes, extension methods can apply to interfaces.
• What is the purpose of the NextFloat extension method?

  To generate a random float value in a specified range.

  
• Why might one prefer extension methods over inheritance?

  Extension methods allow adding functionality to existing classes without modifying them.
• What is a limitation of adding methods through inheritance?

  Methods added through inheritance are not available to instances of the parent class.
• How does using extension methods benefit all instances of a class?

  They make new features available to all instances of the class and its subclasses.
• What is the relationship between LINQ and extension methods?

  LINQ features are implemented as extension methods.
• What are the key characteristics of extension methods in C#?

  • Declared in static classes
  • Must be static methods
  • First argument uses the 'this' keyword
  • Applies to the specified type and its subclasses
  • Accesses only public members of the class
• Compare the advantages of extension methods to inheritance.

  Advantages of extension methods:

  • Add methods to existing classes without source code access
  • Available to all instances of the class
  • Can be applied to interfaces

  
  

  Limitations of inheritance:

  • Methods are only available to instances of the inheriting class
  • Cannot add methods to the parent class directly
• What is the significance of the 'this' keyword in extension methods?

  • Indicates the first argument of the extension method
  • Specifies the type to which the method applies
  • Allows the method to be called using dot notation