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C# 14 Extension Members: Complete Guide with Examples, Pros & Cons

Introduction

C# 14 introduces extension members, one of the most impactful changes since LINQ. With this feature, you can extend types you don’t own with properties, methods, indexers, and even static members.

In this article, you’ll learn:

  • What extension members are in C# 14

  • The difference between extension members and extension methods

  • How to implement extension properties and methods

  • The limitations and pitfalls you should know

  • Best practices and real-world use cases

1. What Are Extension Members in C# 14?

Extension members build on extension methods by allowing developers to add:

  • Instance members (properties, methods, indexers)

  • Static members (factories, constants, operators)

They are declared inside a static class using the new extension block syntax.

2. C# 14 Extension Members vs Extension Methods

FeatureExtension MethodsExtension Members
Methods✅ Yes✅ Yes
Properties❌ No✅ Yes
Indexers❌ No✅ Yes
Static Members❌ No✅ Yes
Fields (state)❌ No❌ No

3. Examples of Extension Properties and Methods

Example: Extension Property + Method

public static class EnumerableExtensions
{
    extension<T>(IEnumerable<T> source)
    {
        // Extension property
        public bool IsEmpty => !source.Any();

        // Extension method
        public IEnumerable<T> GreaterThan(T value) where T : IComparable<T>
            => source.Where(x => x.CompareTo(value) > 0);
    }
}

Usage:

var numbers = new List<int> { 1, 2, 3 };

Console.WriteLine(numbers.IsEmpty);     // False
var result = numbers.GreaterThan(2);    // [3]

4. Static Extension Members in C# 14

public static class ListExtensions
{
    extension<T>(List<T>)
    {
        // Static extension property
        public static List<T> Empty => new List<T>();

        // Static extension method
        public static List<T> Combine(List<T> a, List<T> b) => a.Concat(b).ToList();
    }
}

Usage:

var emptyList = List<int>.Empty;
var combined = List<int>.Combine(new List<int> { 1 }, new List<int> { 2, 3 });
// [1, 2, 3]

5. Limitations of Extension Members

  • ❌ No fields/backing state — you can’t add private fields.

  • ❌ Not all generics convert cleanly — some extension methods can’t be rewritten.

  • ⚠️ Tooling still catching up — IDEs may show inconsistent suggestions.

6. Best Practices for Using Extension Members

  • Use properties for calculated values (IsEmpty, Last).

  • Use methods when parameters are required (GreaterThan).

  • Use static members for factory-like helpers (Empty, Combine).

  • Avoid clutter: don’t move business logic into extension members unnecessarily.

7. Conclusion: Are Extension Members the Future?

Extension members don’t replace extension methods — but they greatly expand what’s possible. For APIs, libraries, and framework development, they’re a game-changer. For everyday coding, use them where they improve clarity without overcomplicating code.

8. FAQ

Q1: Can extension members replace extension methods?
No. Extension methods are still valid. Extension members extend the concept, allowing properties and static members, but both coexist.

Q2: Can I add fields with extension members?
No. You can’t add new state — only behavior and derived properties.

Q3: Do extension members work with interfaces?
Yes. You can extend interfaces with new properties and methods.

Q4: Do I need .NET 10 to use extension members?
Yes, extension members are part of the C# 14 / .NET 10 release.

Q5: Will my old extension methods still work?

Yes. All existing extension methods remain valid and fully compatible.

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