Generic Variance in Superheros

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A good superhero needs to learn from their ancestors (Contravariant), and keep in mind future generations (Covariant). Here is some guidance on how to remember and use our generic variance to overcome our LIQUID foes.

Generic Variance in C#

variant interface: A generic interface that has covariant or contravariant generic type parameters is called variant.

Memory Mnemonic:
Co ends with o use out
Con ends with n which sounds like in

Memory Mnemonic 2:
Your ancestors are the inputs that made you. in
Your descendants are you outputs. out

• Invariant - only the class specified
• Covariant - the class specified or any descendant class
• Contravariant - the class specified or any ancestor class

interface IFoo<T>;     // Invariant
interface IFoo<out A>; // Co-Variant only outputs can use A (ancestors)
interface IFoo<in D>;  // Contra-Variant only inputs can use (descendants)

// only inputs can use A 
 
interface IContravariant<in A>
{
    void SetSomething(A sampleArg);
    void DoSomething<T>() where T : A;
    // The following statement generates a compiler error.
    // A GetSomething();
}

// * only outputs can use R
 
interface ICovariant<out R>
{
    R GetSomething();
    // The following statement generates a compiler error.
    // void SetSomething(R sampleArg);

}

Common Covariant and Contravariant interfaces you use in dotnet.

IEnumerable<> IComparer

public interface IEnumerable<out T> : System.Collections.IEnumerable;
public interface IComparer<in T>;

See the documentation for more details.

Don't forget a good superhero keeps their code clean and tested.