What is the C# Using block and why should I use it? [duplicate]

Answer 1

The using statement is used to work with an object in C# that implements the IDisposable interface.

The IDisposable interface has one public method called Dispose that is used to dispose of the object. When we use the using statement, we don't need to explicitly dispose of the object in the code, the using statement takes care of it.

using (SqlConnection conn = new SqlConnection())
{

}

When we use the above block, internally the code is generated like this:

SqlConnection conn = new SqlConnection() 
try
{

}
finally
{
    // calls the dispose method of the conn object
}

For more details read: Understanding the 'using' statement in C#.

Answer 2

Using calls Dispose() after the using-block is left, even if the code throws an exception.

So you usually use using for classes that require cleaning up after them, like IO.

So, this using block:

using (MyClass mine = new MyClass())
{
  mine.Action();
}

would do the same as:

MyClass mine = new MyClass();
try
{
  mine.Action();
}
finally
{
  if (mine != null)
    mine.Dispose();
}

Using using is way shorter and easier to read.

Answer 3

Placing code in a using block ensures that the objects are disposed (though not necessarily collected) as soon as control leaves the block.