Value type
A value type is a programming-language type whose values are treated as independent values when assigned or passed, rather than as references to a shared object.
.NET in Action, Second Edition
A value type is a .NET type whose values contain their data directly.
- How it is used
- Explains how .NET classifies types and why value/reference behavior matters when values cross method and API boundaries.
- How deep it goes
- Defines direct data storage, contrasts references, and introduces boxing without detailing copying or parameter-passing semantics.
- Examples
- Uses an int passed to Console.WriteLine and an integer Book.Id property to illustrate boxing and nullability.
- What you can do after
- Evaluate whether a .NET type is a value type and recognize when C# boxes it for an object parameter.
Read how .NET in Action, Second Edition explains value type →
F# in Action: A Revised Edition of Get Programming with F#
A value type is a type whose variables directly contain their data and whose values are copied when assigned or passed by value.
- How it is used
- Uses value types to model tuples or records with pass-by-value semantics when performance requirements warrant them.
- How deep it goes
- Explains storage, passing, copying, and garbage-collection tradeoffs, but defers detailed performance measurement to testing.
- Examples
- Uses struct tuple syntax and [<Struct>] record syntax as concrete examples.
- What you can do after
- Apply F# struct syntax to create value tuples or value-type records, then benchmark the resulting representation.
Read how F# in Action: A Revised Edition of Get Programming with F# explains value type →
Related concepts
- structincludes · A struct is a composite data type or structure that groups related fields or values into a single unit.
- reference typecontrasts with · A reference type is a type whose values provide indirect access to objects or state stored separately from the values themselves.
- primitive data typeincludes · A primitive data type is a fundamental, language-provided type for representing a basic value, rather than a composite of multiple values.
- zero valueconfigured by · A zero value is the default, type-dependent value assigned when a variable, field, or newly allocated value has no explicit initial value.
- value objectequivalent to · A value object is an object whose meaning and equality derive from its attribute values rather than an independent identity, typically with immutable state.
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