dotnet-techne-csharp-type-design-performancesolid
Install: claude install-skill Metalnib/dotnet-episteme-skills
# Type Design for Performance
## When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when:
- Designing new types and APIs
- Reviewing code for performance issues
- Choosing between class, struct, and record
- Working with collections and enumerables
---
## Core Principles
1. **Seal your types** - Unless explicitly designed for inheritance
2. **Prefer readonly structs** - For small, immutable value types
3. **Prefer static pure functions** - Better performance and testability
4. **Defer enumeration** - Don't materialize until you need to
5. **Return immutable collections** - From API boundaries
---
## Seal Classes by Default
Sealing classes enables JIT devirtualization and communicates API intent.
```csharp
// DO: Seal classes not designed for inheritance
public sealed class OrderProcessor
{
public void Process(Order order) { }
}
// DO: Seal records (they're classes)
public sealed record OrderCreated(OrderId Id, CustomerId CustomerId);
// DON'T: Leave unsealed without reason
public class OrderProcessor // Can be subclassed - intentional?
{
public virtual void Process(Order order) { } // Virtual = slower
}
```
**Benefits:**
- JIT can devirtualize method calls
- Communicates "this is not an extension point"
- Prevents accidental breaking changes
---
## Readonly Structs for Value Types
Structs should be `readonly` when immutable. This prevents defensive copies.
```csharp
// DO: Readonly struct for immutable value types
public readonly record struct OrderId(Guid Value)