Invert bool in C#

In C#, bool is a data type representing logical values true and false. Sometimes it is necessary to invert the boolean value from true to false or from false to true. In this guide, we'll explore various methods of inverting a boolean value in C#.

Method 1: Using the NOT operator

One of the simplest ways to invert a boolean value in C# is to use the NOT (!) operator. The NOT operator is a unary operator that negates its operand. Thus, applying the NOT operator to a boolean value results in its inverse:

bool value = true;
bool invertedValue = !value; // invertedValue is false

bool value = false;
bool invertedValue = !value; // invertedValue is true

Method 2: Using the XOR operator

Another way to invert a boolean value in C# is to use the exclusive OR (XOR, ^) operator. XOR is a binary operator that returns true if and only if its operands are different (one is true and the other is false). Thus, applying the XOR operator to a boolean value and true or false results in its inverse:

bool value = true;
bool invertedValue = value ^ true; // invertedValue is false

bool value = false;
bool invertedValue = value ^ true; // invertedValue is true

bool value = true;
bool invertedValue = value ^ false; // invertedValue is false

bool value = false;
bool invertedValue = value ^ false; // invertedValue is true

Method 3: Using the ternary operator

A third way to invert a boolean value in C# is to use the ternary operator (? :). The ternary operator is a shorthand for an if-else statement and has the following syntax:

condition ? expression1 : expression2

If condition is true, expression1 is evaluated and its result is returned. Otherwise, expression2 is evaluated and its result is returned. To invert a boolean value using the ternary operator, we can use true and false as expressions:

bool value = true;
bool invertedValue = value ? false : true; // invertedValue is false

bool value = false;
bool invertedValue = value ? false : true; // invertedValue is true

Method 4: Using a method

Finally, we can also define a method that takes a boolean value as a parameter and returns its inverse:

bool Invert(bool value)
{
    return !value;
}

bool value = true;
bool invertedValue = Invert(value); // invertedValue is false

bool value = false;
bool invertedValue = Invert(value); // invertedValue is true

Conclusion

In this guide, we've explored various methods of inverting a boolean value in C#. Depending on the context and requirements of your code, you can choose the method that best fits your needs.