Anonymous type and Custom Type

Question

Are there any 'rules' when i should use an anonymous type over a custom type? From what ive read anonymous types and custom types are almost the same but can cause bugs. That said some recommend using custom types when you know what data you require from multiple tables?

Could anyone clarify or give some pointers?

Thanks

Answer 1

In general, I only recommend using anonymous types if you're going to use the results within the same method.  If you're going to "persist" or pass the data into another method, display it, etc - I'd make a custom type.

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Reed Copsey, Jr. - http://reedcopsey.com
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Answer 2

When you have your object model in your project, generally you are operating with the references of this objects, but there are some case scenarios when you need a type of object which is little bit different rather your classes. var keyword can help you create your custom object, or even list of custome objects as anonymous type without additional coding or operations.

Also anonymous types are used to shorten your code: for example instead of

Dictionary<string, List<int, string>> x = new Dictionary<string, List<int, string>>();

you can do

var x = new Dictionary<string, List<int, string>>();

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Answer 3

Hi,
Annonymous types generally are used in LINQ queries and the resultset we use in that function itself.
When you need collection of specific type then you should use Custom type.

For more information about the scenario when to use annonymous types please visit this link :

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb397696.aspx

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