The Correct Way to use var in C#


The var keyword was introduced in .NET 3.5. Unlike other languages this is still a strongly typed declaration. For example if we declare a string using var then we cannot re-assign this variable to another type. This would be a compile time error.

There are two parties who have strong feelings about the use of var, both of which are wrong.

Never use var

Some developers suggest the use of var be denied. This leads to code such as the following. Overly verbose, and in some cases obscuring the intent of the code. This can commonly be seen when dealing with collections or generics.

Always use var

Other developers claim you should "var all the things". This leads to code which has the opposite problem from above. The intent of the code can be obscured due to not knowing what type you are dealing with. This is especially important during code reviews or times when you are not relying on the IDE's intellisense to remind you what you are dealing with. After all code is read many more times than it is written.

Best of both worlds

The solution to this issue is simple. Where the type cannot be inferred just by looking at the source code (aka the type is on the right), use a strongly typed declaration. Where the type can be inferred, use implicit typing. Using the same examples as above, this would look like the following.

As with most things when it comes to software development, there is never a black and white answer. Always gauge decisions and patterns based on context. Just because automated tooling such as the excellent Resharper suggests you use implicit typing doesn't always make it correct.


Talking of Resharper, a quick Alt+Enter on a type/implicit declaration will allow you to switch between modes, meaning you can be lazy and have the IDE pull in the right type when required.