The Weird And Wonderful World Of Extension Methods in C#

Extension methods are the most controversial feature that Microsoft has introduced in C# 3.0. Introduced to support the LINQ query framework, extension methods make it possible to define new methods for existing classes. Although extension methods can greatly simplify code that uses them, many are concerned that they could transform C# into something that programmers find unrecognizable, or that C#’s namespace mechanisms are inadequate for managing large systems that use extension methods. Adoption of the LINQ framework, however, means that extension methods are here to stay, and that .net programmers need to understand how to use them effectively, and, in particular, how extension methods are different from regular methods.