C# Destructor: Key Characteristics Explained

In C#, the destructor is a special method used to release resources occupied by an object. The destructor is automatically called when the object is destroyed, it cannot be directly invoked, nor can the destructor be explicitly called in C# code.

In C#, the destructor function is prefixed with a tilde (~), for example ~ClassName(). Destructors are typically used to release unmanaged resources such as file handles, database connections, etc. Within a destructor, you can use the Dispose() method or other appropriate methods to release resources.

It is important to note that destructors in C# are not necessary, as the .NET Framework provides a garbage collection mechanism to automatically manage and release an object’s resources. If a class includes a destructor, the garbage collector will mark it as a “finalized” object and call the destructor at the appropriate time to release resources. Therefore, in most cases, destructors in C# are unnecessary, and using the IDisposable interface to release resources should be prioritized.