Stream Objects: Should I Use `Close()` or `Dispose()`?

Stream Objects: Close() vs. Dispose()

When working with stream objects like Stream, StreamReader, and StreamWriter, developers often question whether to call Close() or Dispose() after finishing operations. Both methods effectively release resources associated with the objects, but understanding their differences is crucial for best practices.

Close() and Dispose() Equivalence

By analyzing the implementation of Close() in both StreamReader and StreamWriter using tools like Reflector.NET, it becomes evident that calling Close() ultimately invokes the Dispose() method with a parameter of true. This implies that both Close() and Dispose() perform the same underlying cleanup operations.

Best Practices for Stream Object Handling

Given the equivalence of Close() and Dispose(), the decision of which method to use depends on readability and error handling preferences. While Close() is straightforward, using Dispose() may provide additional flexibility in handling potential exceptions.

Using Both Close() and Dispose()

While it is redundant to call both Close() and Dispose() on the same object, doing so will not affect the behavior or result in any errors. Therefore, it is acceptable to follow the practice of calling Dispose() after using a stream object even if Close() has already been called.

Recommended Usage:

For optimal code readability and error handling, it is recommended to use the using() statement for stream objects. This ensures that resources are released properly even in the presence of exceptions. Additionally, it is suggested to call Close() explicitly within the using() block to provide better code readability.

Example:

using (var stream = ...)
{
    // code

    stream.Close();
}

By following these best practices, developers can effectively handle stream objects, ensure proper resource cleanup, and enhance code readability.

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