What is delegate in C#?

Basically it is similar like the old "C" age function pointer, where functions can be assigned like a variable and called in the run time based on dynamic conditions. C# delegate is the smarter version of function pointer which helps software architects a lot, especially while utilizing design patterns.

At first, a delegate is defined with a specific signature (return type, parameter type and order etc). To invoke a delegate object, one or more methods are required with the EXACT same signature. A delegate object is first created similar like a class object created. The delegate object will basically hold a reference of a function. The function will then can be called via the delegate object.

Sounds easy? If not lets have a look in the code snippets below.

1. Defining the delegate

public delegate int Calculate (int value1, int value2);

 2. Creating methods which will be assigned to delegate object

//a method, that will be assigned to delegate objects

//having the EXACT signature of the delegate

public int add(int value1, int value2)

{    return value1 + value2;            }

//a method, that will be assigned to delegate objects

//having the EXACT signature of the delegate

public int sub( int value1, int value2)

{    return value1 - value2;            }

 3. Creating the delegate object and assigning methods to those delegate objects

//creating the class which contains the methods

//that will be assigned to delegate objects

MyClass mc = new MyClass();

//creating delegate objects and assigning appropriate methods

//having the EXACT signature of the delegate

Calculate add = new Calculate(mc.add);

Calculate sub = new Calculate(mc.sub);

 4. Calling the methods via delegate objects

//using the delegate objects to call the assigned methods

Console.WriteLine("Adding two values: " + add(10, 6));

Console.WriteLine("Subtracting two values: " + sub(10,4));