Box and UnBox what does it means? [duplicate]

Answer 1

There are two different types in .net Framework.

ValueTypes such as int, double, single

ReferenceTypes ArrayList List and many, many more

Variables of type ValueTypes are stored in Stack ReferenceTyped variables are stored in heap

Variables of type ValueTypes store the VALUE ReferenceTyped variables store the REFERENCE to a value

so if you copy a ValueType variable - there is a real copy of a value but if you copy a ReferenceType variable - you will get an additional reference to the SAME variable.

Boxing in your question means, that a valueType Variable (e.g. int) will be handled liked a reference Type Variable - .net gives it into a new box. So it will be encapsulated within the heap and there will be reference(s) to it.

In case you want the value to be again in a valueType Variable you have to unbox it (take it out of the box). So the value will be taken out of the heap - and stored/given to the stack once again.