An Introduction to C# Generics[14]

you also cannot use generic types on a serviced component. the reason is that generics do not meet com
visibility requirements, which are required for serviced components (just like you could not use c++
templates in com or com+).
conclusion
c# generics are an invaluable addition to your development arsenal. they improve performance, type
safety and quality, reduce repetitive programming tasks, simplify the overall programming model, and
do so with elegant, readable syntax. while the roots of c# generics are c++ templates, c# takes
generics to a new level by providing compile-time safety and support. c# utilizes two-phase compilation,
metadata, and innovative concepts such as constraints and generic methods. no doubt future versions of
c# will continue to evolve generics, adding new capabilities and extending generics to other areas
of .net framework such as data access or localization.
juval lowy is a software architect and the principal of idesign, a consulting and training company. juval
is a microsoft regional director for the silicon valley, working with microsoft on helping the industry
adopt .net. his latest book is programming .net components (o'reilly, 2003). the book is dedicated to
component-oriented programming and design, as well as the related system issues. juval participates in
the microsoft internal design reviews for future versions of .net. microsoft recognized juval as a software
legend and one of the world's top .net experts and industry leaders. contact juval at