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Delegates

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May 1, 2024 Updated June 15, 2025 22 minute read

Delegates: A Comprehensive Guide to a Powerful Programming Concept

Delegates are a fundamental concept in several programming languages, most notably C#, that provide a powerful and flexible way to work with methods. At a high level, a delegate is a type that represents a reference to a method with a specific parameter list and return type. Think of it as a "pointer" to a function, but in a type-safe, object-oriented way. This capability allows methods to be passed as arguments to other methods, stored in variables, and invoked dynamically, which is crucial for implementing features like callbacks and event handling.

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Reading list

We've selected 32 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Delegates.
Provides a deep dive into the C# language, explaining the 'whys' behind its features. It offers comprehensive coverage of delegates, their evolution, and their practical applications, making it excellent for solidifying understanding beyond the basics. It is highly regarded in the C# community and is suitable for intermediate to advanced learners and professionals.
This comprehensive guide to delegates in C# covers everything from the basics to advanced topics such as multicast delegates and lambda expressions. It provides detailed examples and exercises to help you master this powerful feature.
Considered a cornerstone for understanding the .NET Common Language Runtime, this book provides in-depth knowledge of how delegates work under the hood. It's a valuable reference for those seeking a deep technical understanding and is highly recommended for advanced students and working professionals.
This comprehensive reference covers the C# language and the .NET BCL extensively, including a dedicated section on delegates and events. It's an excellent resource for quickly looking up syntax and usage, suitable for all levels, but particularly valuable for experienced programmers.
Authored by the designers of C#, this book provides the definitive technical specification of the language. While dense, it offers the most accurate and detailed information on delegates for those seeking a deep, normative understanding. It is best suited for advanced learners and researchers.
Written by C# expert Jon Skeet, this book provides a thorough understanding of delegates and events. It covers topics such as delegate invocation, event handling, and performance considerations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of delegates in C# in Swedish. It covers everything from the basics to advanced topics such as multicast delegates and lambda expressions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of delegates in C# in Norwegian. It covers everything from the basics to advanced topics such as multicast delegates and lambda expressions.
This practical guide to delegates in C# provides a step-by-step approach to understanding and using this powerful feature. It includes numerous examples and exercises to help you apply your knowledge.
Well-regarded resource for learning C# and the .NET Framework, providing thorough explanations of language features, including delegates. It's suitable for intermediate to advanced learners and serves as a valuable reference.
Provides broad coverage of the C# language and the .NET platform, including detailed explanations of delegates and their use in various .NET technologies. It's suitable for undergraduate students and professionals looking for a comprehensive resource.
Covers the latest features of C# and .NET, including how delegates are used in modern application development. It's a good resource for understanding contemporary usage of delegates and is suitable for students and professionals working with the latest .NET technologies.
Aimed at experienced programmers, this book delves into the nuances of C# and .NET, likely including discussions on how delegates fit into advanced programming patterns and the latest language features. It's a good choice for professionals looking to deepen their expertise.
Offers a visually engaging and beginner-friendly approach to learning C#, including core concepts like delegates and events. It's particularly well-suited for high school and undergraduate students new to programming, providing a solid foundation through hands-on examples.
Provides guidance on designing well-structured .NET libraries, including best practices for using delegates and events. It's highly relevant for experienced developers and architects involved in library design and provides a deeper understanding of the role of delegates in the .NET ecosystem.
This beginner-friendly guide to delegates in C# provides a clear and concise introduction to this topic. It covers the basics of delegates and demonstrates how to use them in your own code.
Part of the well-known Deitel series, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to C# for those with prior programming experience. It would cover delegates as a core language feature, suitable for undergraduate students and those transitioning from other languages.
While not solely focused on delegates, this book includes a section specifically on expressing callbacks with delegates, offering practical advice and best practices. It's a useful resource for intermediate to advanced developers looking to write cleaner and more efficient C# code.
Similar to 'Mastering C#', a book with 'Unleashed' in the title typically indicates a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of a topic. A book of this nature on C# would likely cover delegates in detail, suitable for experienced programmers looking for extensive coverage.
Explores functional programming concepts in C#, where delegates play a crucial role in enabling functional paradigms like passing functions as arguments. It's valuable for those looking to deepen their understanding of delegates within a different programming paradigm, suitable for advanced students and professionals.
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