using null-coalesing operator in else if condition

Question

Is it possible to simplify the below condition using the null-coalescing operator or any other simplified code?

int? c,a,b;
if(a!=null)
{
  c = a;
}
else if(b!=null)
{
  c = b;
}
else
{
  c = null;
}

Thanks in Advance

Normally c = a ?? b would do it. But int isn't nullable so I'm not sure what is going on in your example. — John Wu
– John Wu, Commented Jul 26, 2018 at 18:04
int c = a ?? b ?? default(int); is probably what you're looking for, assuming you're okay with 0 instead of null, or just int? c = a ?? b; if you want c to be nullable. — Patrick Roberts
– Patrick Roberts, Commented Jul 26, 2018 at 18:07
Sorry I forgot to mention c is a nullable integer. I have updated now — Anish
– Anish, Commented Jul 27, 2018 at 6:01

simone.tino · Accepted Answer · 2018-07-26 18:13:06Z

4

You mean something like:

int? c = a ?? (b ?? null)

Note that according to your if-else statement, c has to be int? type. For the same reason, it makes sense both a and b are of int? type.

Hence, as b may be null, the same expression can be rewritten as:

int? c = a ?? b;

answered Jul 26, 2018 at 18:07

simone.tino

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Comments

Lyco · Accepted Answer · 2018-07-26 18:07:17Z

3

c = a ?? b ?? null;

Although if your catch is null anyways then you only really need

c = a ?? b;

Edit: As other users have stated it's important that your int is nullable (int?) if you're working with them.

answered Jul 26, 2018 at 18:07

Lyco

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ispiro · Accepted Answer · 2018-07-26 18:08:01Z

3

Assuming that they are all of Type int?

int? c = a ?? b; //no need for an explicit null. If b is null so will c be.

because the question doesn't make sense if they are of Type int.

answered Jul 26, 2018 at 18:08

ispiro

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