Simplifying Method Calls in C#: Techniques for Cleaner and More Maintainable Code

Meta Description: Learn effective techniques to simplify method calls in C#, including preserving whole objects, introducing parameter objects, and merging or splitting methods. Improve code readability, maintainability, and usability with clear examples and best practices.

Simplifying Method Calls in C#

Simplifying method calls is a crucial step in improving code readability, maintainability, and usability. By applying clean code principles, we can ensure our methods are concise and intuitive. This article explores three effective techniques to simplify method calls: Preserve Whole Object, Introduce Parameter Object, and Split or Merge Methods. Let's dive in with examples.

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1. Preserve Whole Object

When you frequently pass multiple properties of the same object as parameters to a method, it's more efficient and cleaner to pass the entire object instead.

Before:

public void SearchSimilarTrail(string extras, string activities)
{
    // Method logic
}

// Call
SearchSimilarTrail(trail.Extras, trail.Activities);

After:

public void SearchSimilarTrail(Trail trail)
{
    var extras = trail.Extras;
    var activities = trail.Activities;
    // Method logic
}

// Call
SearchSimilarTrail(trail);

Benefits:

• Reduces redundancy.
• Improves flexibility and maintainability.
• Keeps method signatures simpler and cleaner.

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2. Introduce Parameter Object

When multiple methods receive the same combination of parameters, you can group them into a single object, simplifying the method signatures.

Before:

public void GenerateSalesReport(DateTime from, DateTime to) { }
public void GenerateExpenseReport(DateTime from, DateTime to) { }
public void GenerateProductReport(DateTime from, DateTime to) { }

After:

public void GenerateSalesReport(DateTimePeriod period) { }
public void GenerateExpenseReport(DateTimePeriod period) { }
public void GenerateProductReport(DateTimePeriod period) { }

Supporting Class:

public class DateTimePeriod
{
    public DateTime From { get; set; }
    public DateTime To { get; set; }
}

Benefits:

• Consolidates related data into a reusable structure.
• Makes method signatures more concise and consistent.
• Facilitates future changes (e.g., adding properties to DateTimePeriod).

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3. Split or Merge Methods

Split Methods (Separate Query from Modifier)

If a method does too much (e.g., querying data and modifying state), it's better to split it into smaller, single-responsibility methods.

Before:

public void ProcessOrder(Order order)
{
    var items = GetOrderItems(order);
    UpdateStock(items);
}

After:

public List<Item> GetOrderItems(Order order) { ... }
public void UpdateStock(List<Item> items) { ... }

Merge Methods

If multiple methods perform almost identical tasks with only minor differences, you can merge them into a single method with a parameter to handle the variation.

Before:

public decimal ApplyWinterDiscount(decimal price)
{
    return price * WinterDiscount;
}

public decimal ApplySummerDiscount(decimal price)
{
    return price * SummerDiscount;
}

After:

public decimal ApplyDiscount(decimal price, decimal seasonalDiscount)
{
    return price * seasonalDiscount;
}

Supporting Constants:

public static class Discounts
{
    public const decimal SummerDiscount = 0.1m;
    public const decimal WinterDiscount = 0.2m;
}

Usage:

var discountedPrice = ApplyDiscount(originalPrice, Discounts.SummerDiscount);

Benefits:

• Reduces duplication and improves code maintainability.
• Keeps the code DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself).
• Makes the method more flexible and reusable.

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Conclusion

By using techniques like Preserve Whole Object, Introduce Parameter Object, and Split or Merge Methods, you can simplify method calls, reduce redundancy, and create more maintainable and intuitive code.

• Use const for values like SummerDiscount and WinterDiscount to ensure compile-time safety and performance.
• Apply these techniques thoughtfully to achieve cleaner, more efficient interfaces between classes.

Simplifying your method calls not only improves the readability of your code but also enhances the overall user experience for developers working with your application.