C# Int Only - C#

As a developer, you may encounter situations where you need to restrict a variable's value to integers only. C# offers various ways to accomplish this. In this article, we will explore some of the most common techniques.

Converting Data Types to Integers

The simplest way to restrict a variable to integers only is to convert its data type explicitly to an integer type. C# provides several built-in integer types, including int, long, and short.

int age = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());

The above code converts the user input from a string to an integer using the Convert.ToInt32() method. This approach works well for simple scenarios, but it requires additional error handling for cases where the input may not be a valid integer.

Using TryParse for Integer Input

In more complex scenarios, you can use the int.TryParse() method to validate integer input. This method attempts to convert the input string to an integer and returns a Boolean value indicating whether the conversion succeeded or failed.

int age;
if (int.TryParse(Console.ReadLine(), out age))
{
    Console.WriteLine($"Your age is {age}.");
}
else
{
    Console.WriteLine("Invalid input. Please enter a valid integer.");
}

In the above example, the TryParse() method returns true if the input string is a valid integer and assigns the value to the age variable. Otherwise, it returns false.

Using Assertion with Integers

Another technique to enforce integer-only variables is to use assertions. Assertions are statements that check if an expression is true and throws an exception if it's false.

int age = 35;
Debug.Assert(age > 0 && age < 200, "Invalid age value.");

The Debug.Assert() method accepts a condition and an optional message to display if the assertion fails. In the above example, the assertion checks if the age variable is between 0 and 200.

Conclusion

In conclusion, C# offers several techniques to enforce integer-only variables. The approach you choose depends on your use case and requirements. Whether you convert data types explicitly, use TryParse() to validate user input, or check conditions with assertions, you can be sure that your C# code is safe and robust.