The C Keywords

The C# Keywords

There are currently 77 keywords defined in the C# language (see Table 2-1). These keywords, combined with the syntax of the operators and separators, form the definition of the C# language. These keywords cannot be used as names for a variable, class, or method.

Table 2-1: The C# Keywords

abstract	as	base	bool	break
byte	case	catch	char	checked
class	const	continue	decimal	default
delegate	do	double	else	enum
event	explicit	extern	false	finally
fixed	float	for	foreach	goto
if	implicit	in	int	interface
internal	is	lock	long	namespace
new	null	object	operator	out
override	params	private	protected	public
readonly	ref	return	sbyte	sealed
short	sizeof	stackalloc	static	string
struct	switch	this	throw	true
try	typeof	uint	ulong	unchecked
unsafe	ushort	using	virtual	volatile
void	while

In addition to the keywords, C# defines a set of words that have unique meanings when they are used in certain situations. These are called contextual keywords. They include get, set, yield, value, where, and partial. Because they are not reserved words, outside their context they can be used as names for other program elements, but good practice suggests that it is better not to do so.