mono/mcs/class

The class libraries are grouped together in the assemblies they belong.

Each directory here represents an assembly, and inside each directory we
divide the code based on the namespace they implement.

In addition, each assembly directory contains a Test directory that holds the
NUnit tests for that assembly.

We use a new build system which is described by various README files
in mcs/build

The build process typically builds an assembly, but in some cases it
also builds special versions of the assemblies intended to be used for
testing.

* Missing implementation bits

If you implement a class and you are missing implementation bits,
please use the attribute [MonoTODO]. This attribute can be used
to programatically generate our status web pages:

[MonoTODO]
int MyFunction ()
{
throw new NotImplementedException ();
}

Ideally, write a human description of the reason why there is
a MonoTODO, this will be useful in the future for our
automated tools that can assist in developers porting their
code.

Do not use MonoTODO attributes for reminding yourself of
internal changes that must be done. Use FIXMEs or other kinds
of comments in the source code for that purpose, and if the
problem requires to be followed up on, file a bug.

* Supporting .NET 1.2, .NET 1.1 and .NET 1.0 builds

The defines NET_1_1 and NET_2_0 are used to include
features. When NET_2_0 is defined, it also implies that the
NET_1_1 is defined.

To have code which is only available in an old version, use ONLY_1_0,
ONLY_1_1

* Tagging buggy code

If there is a bug in your implementation tag the problem by using
the word "FIXME" in the code, together with a description of the
problem.

Do not use XXX or obscure descriptions, because otherwise people
will not be able to understand what you mean.

* Tagging Problematic specs.

If the documentation and the Microsoft implementation do
differ (you wrote a test case to prove this), I suggest that you edit
the file `mcs/class/doc/API-notes' so we can keep track of these problems
and submit our comments to ECMA or Microsoft and seek clarification.

Sometimes the documentation might be buggy, and sometimes the implementation
might be buggy. Lets try to identify and pinpoint which one
is the correct one.

Sometimes the specification will be lame (consider Version.ToString (fieldCount)
where there is no way of knowing how many fields are available, making the API
not only stupid, but leading to unreliable code).

In those cases, use the keyword "LAMESPEC".


* Coding considerations and style.

In order to keep the code consistent, please use the following
conventions. From here on `good' and `bad' are used to attribute
things that would make the coding style match, or not match. It is not
a judgement call on your coding abilities, but more of a style and
look call. Please try to follow these guidelines to ensure prettiness.

Use 8 space tabs for writing your code (hopefully we can keep
this consistent). If you are modifying someone else's code, try
to keep the coding style similar.

Since we are using 8-space tabs, you might want to consider the Linus
Torvals trick to reduce code nesting. Many times in a loop, you will
find yourself doing a test, and if the test is true, you will nest.
Many times this can be changed. Example:


for (i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
if (something (i)) {
do_more ();
}
}

This take precious space, instead write it like this:

for (i = 0; i < 10; i++) {
if (!something (i))
continue;
do_more ();
}

A few guidelines:

* Use a space before an opening parenthesis when calling
functions, or indexing, like this:

method (a);
b [10];

* Do not put a space after the opening parenthesis and the
closing one, ie:

good: method (a); array [10];

bad: method ( a ); array[ 10 ];

* Inside a code block, put the opening brace on the same line
as the statement:

good:
if (a) {
code ();
code ();
}

bad:
if (a)
{
code ();
code ();
}

* Avoid using unecessary open/close braces, vertical space
is usually limited:

good:
if (a)
code ();

bad:
if (a) {
code ();
}

* When defining a method, use the C style for brace placement,
that means, use a new line for the brace, like this:

good:
void Method ()
{
}

bad:
void Method () {
}

* Properties and indexers are an exception, keep the
brace on the same line as the property declaration.
Rationale: this makes it visually
simple to distinguish them.

good:
int Property {
get {
return value;
}
}

bad:
int Property
{
get {
return value;
}
}

Notice how the accessor "get" also keeps its brace on the same
line.

For very small properties, you can compress things:

ok:
int Property {
get { return value; }
set { x = value; }
}

* Use white space in expressions liberally, except in the presence
of parenthesis:

good:

if (a + 5 > method (blah () + 4))

bad:
if (a+5>method(blah()+4))

* For any new files, please use a descriptive introduction, like
this:

//
// System.Comment.cs: Handles comments in System files.
//
// Author:
// Juan Perez ([email protected])
//
// (C) 2002 Address, Inc (http://www.address.com)
//

* If you are modyfing someone else's code, and your contribution
is significant, please add yourself to the Authors list.

* Switch statements have the case at the same indentation as the
switch:

switch (x) {
case 'a':
...
case 'b':
...
}

* Argument names should use the camel casing for
identifiers, like this:

good:
void Method (string myArgument)

bad:
void Method (string lpstrArgument)
void Method (string my_string)

* Empty methods: They should have the body of code using two
lines, in consistency with the rest:

good:
void EmptyMethod ()
{
}

bad:
void EmptyMethod () {}

void EmptyMethod ()
{}

* Line length: The line length for C# source code is 134 columns.


If your function declaration arguments go beyond
this point, please align your arguments to match the
opening brace, like this:

void Function (int arg, string argb,
int argc)
{
}

When invoking functions, the rule is different, the
arguments are not aligned with the previous
argument, instead they begin at the tabbed position,
like this:

void M ()
{
MethodCall ("Very long string that will force",
"Next argument on the 8-tab pos",
"Just like this one")

}

Here are a couple of examples:

class X : Y {

bool Method (int argument_1, int argument_2)
{
if (argument_1 == argument_2)
throw new Exception (Locale.GetText ("They are equal!");

if (argument_1 < argument_2) {
if (argument_1 * 3 > 4)
return true;
else
return false;
}

//
// This sample helps keep your sanity while using 8-spaces for tabs
//
VeryLongIdentifierWhichTakesManyArguments (
Argument1, Argument2, Argument3,
NestedCallHere (
MoreNested));
}

bool MyProperty {
get {
return x;
}

set {
x = value;
}
}

void AnotherMethod ()
{
if ((a + 5) != 4) {
}

while (blah) {
if (a)
continue;
b++;
}
}
}