Passing a Reference to a String in C#

  • Thread starter Thread starter Drakkith
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Reference String
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around issues related to passing a string reference in C# within the context of Unity programming, specifically regarding the updating of tooltip text in a UI component. Participants explore the behavior of reference types, method definitions, and object-oriented programming concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a problem where Class B does not update the tooltip text despite Class A updating it every frame, questioning the behavior of string reference types.
  • Another participant points out that the Update() method is defined in both classes, suggesting that this might not be an issue since Unity handles these methods automatically.
  • A participant recalls a past experience with a UI framework that required specific coding to update tooltips, suggesting that Unity might have similar limitations.
  • One participant tests the tooltip update functionality and finds that it works with a simple integer increment, indicating that the issue may not be with Unity's tooltip system itself.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the distinction between classes and objects, suggesting that the original poster may have misunderstood how method calls work in C#.
  • A participant discusses their understanding of reference types in C#, illustrating with an example that shows unexpected behavior when modifying strings, leading to further questions about how references work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the underlying issue. There are multiple competing views regarding the behavior of reference types, method definitions, and how Unity handles tooltip updates.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing assumptions regarding object-oriented programming concepts and the specific behavior of Unity's UI system. Some participants express confusion about static versus instance methods and the implications of passing references versus values.

  • #31
pbuk said:
Yes that's right.

It's probably also worth mentioning that strings in C# are immutable: it is not possible to change their state. If you want to pass something to a function that modifies it then you can use the StringBuilder class.
Thanks, pbuk. I got around whatever limitation kept me from passing the reference to the original string around by creating my own class.
 
Technology news on Phys.org
  • #32
pbuk said:
strings in C# are immutable
Drakkith said:
limitation kept me from passing the reference to the original string

When you tried to change the "original string" somewhere else you didn't actually change it. you created a new string then assigned it to the "other" variable. The "original" happily hung out and was used for the tooltip.

BoB
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: harborsparrow and Drakkith
  • #33
rbelli1 said:
When you tried to change the "original string" somewhere else you didn't actually change it. you created a new string then assigned it to the "other" variable. The "original" happily hung out and was used for the tooltip.

BoB
Well that answers that. Thank you!
 
  • #34
Oh I'm an idiot. From my own link in post #26:

Because a string "modification" is actually a new string creation, you must use caution when you create references to strings. If you create a reference to a string, and then "modify" the original string, the reference will continue to point to the original object instead of the new object that was created when the string was modified.

The explanation was right in front of me as soon as I found that page and I just missed it completely.
 
  • #35
Drakkith said:
The explanation was right in front of me as soon as I found that page and I just missed it completely.
Sounds familiar... <wry smile emoji>
 

Similar threads

Problem when std::function refers to member function
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
My Website For Creating Interactive Visuals Linked To Equations
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
C/C++ How to Implement a Game Using Class in C++?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Java Recursively sorting an array of strings w/o aux. parameter
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Comp Sci Problem with this Java string program
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
C# C# Nightmare: Solving Area of a Circle Calculation Problem
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
C/C++ Pass by Reference Function Build Error
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Java Serialization/Deserialization of objects in Java
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Fortran Fortran Call Troubleshooting: Passing Integers & Strings
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Java Fixing Abstract Method Error in Java Shooter Game
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K