What is ref keyword in C#

What is “ref” keyword in C#

“ref Keyword” in C#.

Passing variables by value is the default. However, we can force the value parameter to be passed by reference. 

Point to be kept in mind while using ref keyword.
variable “must” be initialized before it is passed into a method.


Example, Without Using ref keyword
class Test
{
public static void Main()
{
int a = 1;
DoWork(a);
Console.WriteLine("The value of a is " + a); 
}

public static void DoWork(int i)
{
i++;
}
}
The program will result in : The value of a is 1


Example, With the Use of ref keyword
class Test
{
public static void Main()
{
int a = 2; // must be initialized
DoWork(ref a); // note ref Keyword
Console.WriteLine("The value of a is " + a); 
}

public static void DoWork(ref int i) // note ref Keyword
{
i++;
}
}
The program will result : The value of a is 3