Code Inspection: 'if' statement can be re-written as '??' expression

If you want to assign a value, pass an argument, or return from a method based on the nullability of an identifier, the clearest syntax you can use in these cases is the ?? (null-coalescing) operator.

Therefore, whenever JetBrains Rider encounters an if operator in the above-mentioned contexts, it suggests simplifying the expressions using the ?? operator.

Here is an example of a quick-fix suggested by this inspection:

            
private string _name;
public string Name
{
  get
  {
    if (_name == null) _name = "Anonymous";
    return _name;
  }
  set { _name = value; }
}
        
        

            
private string _name;
public string Name
{
  get { return _name ?? (_name = "Anonymous"); }
  set { _name = value; }
}

        

Speaking about performance of both operators, there is no observable difference. Actually, the ?? is even a tiny bit faster.

Last modified: 08 March 2021