Convert Property to Auto-Property refactoring

This refactoring helps you convert properties with private backing fields into auto-implemented properties (also known as auto-properties). The refactoring removes the backing field and replaces all its usages with the newly created auto-property.

By default, ReSharper highlights most of the properties that could be converted to auto-properties and suggests the corresponding quick-fix or fix in scope:

If you do not want ReSharper to suggest this, you can disable the code inspection that detects it (Convert property to auto-property). In this case, properties with backing fields are not highlighted and quick-fixes are not suggested, but you can still apply the conversion with the context action or with the corresponding refactoring:

The reverse functionality of converting existing auto-properties to properties with backing field is also available with the corresponding context action. You can also generate default bodies for property accessors using the To computed property context action:

To property with backing field context action

In the example below, the refactoring converts a property with a backing field to an auto-property:

            
class Shape
{
  private Color bgColor;
  public Color BackgroundColor
  {
    get { return bgColor; }
    set { bgColor = value; }
  }

  public Shape(Color background)
  {
    bgColor = background;
  }
}

        

            
class Shape
{
  public Color BackgroundColor { get; set; }

  public Shape(Color background)
  {
    BackgroundColor = background;
  }
}

        

You can also convert properties to auto-properties using the refactoring commands. To do so, place the caret at the declaration or a usage of a property in the editor, or select it in the File Structure window window, and then do one of the following:

Press Control+Shift+R and then choose Convert Property to Auto-property
Right-click and choose Refactor | Convert Property to Auto-property in the context menu.
Choose ReSharper | Refactor | Convert | Property to Auto Property… in the main menu.

This feature is supported in the following languages and technologies:

The instructions and examples given here address the use of the feature in C#. For more information about other languages, refer to corresponding topics in the Languages and frameworks section.

Last modified: 23 September 2024