C# Init Keyword (How It Works For Developers)

Basic Example of the Init Keyword

Let's start with a basic example:

public class Person
{
    public string FirstName { get; init; }
    public string LastName { get; init; }
}

var person = new Person
{
    FirstName = "Iron",
    LastName = "Dev"
};

// person.FirstName = "Jane";  // This will give a compile-time error.

public class Person
{
    public string FirstName { get; init; }
    public string LastName { get; init; }
}

var person = new Person
{
    FirstName = "Iron",
    LastName = "Dev"
};

// person.FirstName = "Jane";  // This will give a compile-time error.

In this example, FirstName and LastName are marked as init-only properties. This means they can be assigned only during object initialization. After the object is created, attempting to change the values will cause a compile-time error.

Why Use the Init Keyword?

The main reason for using the init keyword is to make object properties immutable after initialization. Traditionally, you could mark properties as read-only to achieve immutability. However, you would often need a constructor that accepts all necessary values to set the fields, which can lead to constructor boilerplate code. With init, you can achieve the same goal using object initializers without writing long constructors.

public class Person
{
    public string FirstName { get; init; }
    public string LastName { get; init; }
    // Without using constructor boilerplate for property initialization
}

var person = new Person
{
    FirstName = "John",
    LastName = "Doe"
};

public class Person
{
    public string FirstName { get; init; }
    public string LastName { get; init; }
    // Without using constructor boilerplate for property initialization
}

var person = new Person
{
    FirstName = "John",
    LastName = "Doe"
};

Object Initialization with Init-Only Properties

Using init works seamlessly with object initializers. Instead of relying on constructors to set values, you can define the properties you need directly while creating an object.

public class Point
{
    public int X { get; init; }
    public int Y { get; init; }
}

var point = new Point { X = 10, Y = 20 };

// point.X = 30;  // This will throw a compile-time error

public class Point
{
    public int X { get; init; }
    public int Y { get; init; }
}

var point = new Point { X = 10, Y = 20 };

// point.X = 30;  // This will throw a compile-time error

This creates a simple, immutable object of type Point. Notice that the values for X and Y are set at initialization and can't be modified later.

Mixing init with Constructors

Although the primary use case for init is object initialization via object initializers, you can still use a constructor if needed. This is particularly useful when enforcing specific property values during object creation.

public class Person
{
    public string FirstName { get; init; }
    public string LastName { get; init; }

    public Person(string firstName, string lastName)
    {
        FirstName = firstName;
        LastName = lastName;
    }
}

public class Person
{
    public string FirstName { get; init; }
    public string LastName { get; init; }

    public Person(string firstName, string lastName)
    {
        FirstName = firstName;
        LastName = lastName;
    }
}

You can use both constructors and init properties together. This approach offers more flexibility while still enforcing immutability after object construction.

Benefits of Init Over Private Set

Previously, developers used a private set accessor to limit property modification outside the class.

public class Person
{
    public string FirstName { get; private set; }
    public string LastName { get; private set; }

    public Person(string firstName, string lastName)
    {
        FirstName = firstName;
        LastName = lastName;
    }
}

public class Person
{
    public string FirstName { get; private set; }
    public string LastName { get; private set; }

    public Person(string firstName, string lastName)
    {
        FirstName = firstName;
        LastName = lastName;
    }
}

Although this approach works, it requires constructor boilerplate code to initialize properties. Also, it allows the class itself to modify the properties later, which isn't always ideal for immutable objects. The init keyword removes this issue, as it only allows initialization at object creation time and blocks any modification afterward.

Handling Initialization with Read-Only Fields and Init Accessors

The init keyword can initialize fields or properties during object creation while they remain immutable afterward. While read-only fields provide immutability, the init accessor offers a similar capability for properties. Here's how you can handle immutability in two ways: using read-only fields and init properties.

public class Person
{
    private readonly string firstName;
    private readonly string lastName;

    public string FirstName => firstName;
    public string LastName => lastName;

    public Person(string firstName, string lastName)
    {
        this.firstName = firstName;
        this.lastName = lastName;
    }
}

public class Person
{
    private readonly string firstName;
    private readonly string lastName;

    public string FirstName => firstName;
    public string LastName => lastName;

    public Person(string firstName, string lastName)
    {
        this.firstName = firstName;
        this.lastName = lastName;
    }
}

public class Person
{
    public string FirstName { get; init; }
    public string LastName { get; init; }
}

public class Person
{
    public string FirstName { get; init; }
    public string LastName { get; init; }
}

Introduction to IronPDF

IronPDF is a powerful PDF generation and manipulation library designed for C# developers. It simplifies working with PDFs by converting HTML, CSS, images, and other content into PDF documents. With features like pixel-perfect rendering, cross-platform support, and easy integration into .NET projects, IronPDF is ideal for developers needing to create high-quality PDFs quickly. You can use it with .NET Core, Framework, and Standard, and it supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Install-Package IronPdf

using IronPdf;

public class Person
{
    public int Id { get; init; }
    public string FirstName { get; init; }
    public string LastName { get; init; }
}

public class PDFGenerator
{
    public static void CreatePersonPDF(Person person)
    {
        var htmlContent = $@"
        <html>
        <body>
            <h1>Person Information</h1>
            <p>ID: {person.Id}</p>
            <p>First Name: {person.FirstName}</p>
            <p>Last Name: {person.LastName}</p>
        </body>
        </html>";

        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);
        pdf.SaveAs($"Person_{person.Id}.pdf");
    }
}

class Program
{
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        var person = new Person
        {
            Id = 1,
            FirstName = "Iron",
            LastName = "Dev"
        };

        PDFGenerator.CreatePersonPDF(person);
    }
}

using IronPdf;

public class Person
{
    public int Id { get; init; }
    public string FirstName { get; init; }
    public string LastName { get; init; }
}

public class PDFGenerator
{
    public static void CreatePersonPDF(Person person)
    {
        var htmlContent = $@"
        <html>
        <body>
            <h1>Person Information</h1>
            <p>ID: {person.Id}</p>
            <p>First Name: {person.FirstName}</p>
            <p>Last Name: {person.LastName}</p>
        </body>
        </html>";

        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);
        pdf.SaveAs($"Person_{person.Id}.pdf");
    }
}

class Program
{
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        var person = new Person
        {
            Id = 1,
            FirstName = "Iron",
            LastName = "Dev"
        };

        PDFGenerator.CreatePersonPDF(person);
    }
}

Conclusion

In summary, the C# init keyword allows you to create immutable objects while offering flexibility during object initialization. It's a cleaner and safer alternative to private set accessors, reducing the need for constructor boilerplate code. Combining the init keyword with read-only fields, structs, and validation logic helps you build robust and secure data structures that preserve immutability without sacrificing readability or flexibility. IronPDF offers a free trial, and licenses start from $799. This gives you access to its full features, including editing, compressing, and securing PDFs.