TypeBuilder

TypeBuilder is a class in the .NET Framework that allows for the dynamic generation of types at runtime. It is part of the System.Reflection.Emit namespace and provides a way to create new classes, structures, enumerations, and interfaces on the fly. This is particularly useful in scenarios where the exact structure of a type is not known until the application is running, such as in data serialization, dynamic proxy generation, or when working with reflection-based libraries.

Using TypeBuilder, developers can define the name, attributes, and base type of a new type. They can then add fields, properties, methods, and events to this type. The process involves creating a ModuleBuilder, then a TypeBuilder within that module, and subsequently defining its members. Once the type definition is complete, the GetType() method is called on the TypeBuilder to finalize and create the actual Type object. This generated Type can then be instantiated and used like any other .NET type.

The primary advantage of TypeBuilder is its flexibility in creating types dynamically. However, it also comes with increased complexity and potential performance overhead compared to statically defined types. Debugging dynamically generated code can also be more challenging. Despite these considerations, TypeBuilder remains a powerful tool for advanced .NET development scenarios requiring runtime type creation.