Indexers in C#

Indexers in C# are special properties that allow accessing objects like arrays using square brackets. They simplify data retrieval and manipulation, making it easier to work with custom classes or collections in a user-friendly way.

The syntax for defining an indexer is:

public returnType this[indexType index]
{
   get
   {
      // Getter logic
   }
   set
   {
      // Setter logic
   }
}

• Indexers in C# allow accessing elements or properties using square brackets, like arrays.
• They simplify data retrieval and manipulation for custom classes or collections.
• Indexers are useful for creating custom data structures with index-based access, improving code readability and providing a more user-friendly way to work with objects.

Here is source code of the C# Program to Implement Use of Indexers. The C# program is successfully compiled and executed with Microsoft Visual Studio. The program output is also shown below.

/*
 * C# Program to Implement Use of Indexers
 */
 
class values
{
    private int[] val = new int[10] { 10,20,30,40,50,60,70,80,90,100 }; 
    public int Length
    {
        get { return val.Length; }
    } 
    public int this[int index]
    {
        get
        {
            return val[index];
        }
 
        set
        {
            val[index] = value;
        }
    }
}
class MainClass
{
    static void Main()
    {
        values newval = new values();
        newval[3] = 58;
        newval[5] = 60;
        for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++)
        {
            System.Console.WriteLine("Element #{0} = {1}", i, newval[i]);
        }
        System.Console.WriteLine("Press any key to exit.");
        System.Console.ReadKey();
 
    }
}

1. The program defines a class named “values” with an array “val” containing 10 integer values from 10 to 100.
2. The class has a “Length” property that returns the length of the “val” array.
3. It also has an indexer, which allows getting and setting elements in the “val” array using square brackets.
4. The “MainClass” contains the “Main” method where we create an instance of the “values” class called “newval”.
5. We use the indexer to set the values 58 and 60 at index 3 and 5 of the “val” array in “newval“.
6. A “for” loop is used to display all elements in the “val” array along with their indices.
7. The program waits for any key press to exit after displaying the elements.

Time Complexity: O(n)
The time complexity of the program is O(n) due to the “for” loop that iterates through the array.

Space Complexity: O(1)
The space complexity is O(1) as it uses a fixed-size array and no additional data structures, resulting in constant space usage.

 
Element #0 : 10
Element #1 : 20
Element #2 : 30
Element #3 : 58
Element #4 : 50
Element #5 : 60
Element #6 : 70
Element #7 : 80
Element #8 : 90
Element #9 : 100
Press any key to exit

• Only one indexer per class, named “this”.
• Indexers cannot be static, they need an instance of the class.
• Indexers cannot use “ref” or “out” parameters.
• Indexers cannot be virtual or override.
• Indexers cannot have different accessibility for getter and setter.
• Indexers cannot use the “params” keyword in their parameters.

Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – 1000 C# Programs.