Since programming is complex, it’s easy to make mistakes. For example, maybe we try to use an int like a string. This would cause a type error. C# has rules built-in that check for those mistakes before we use that code in the real world.

The diagram below estimates the number of bugs in our code at each stage of development. We discover and fix some of those bugs at each stage, so the number decreases from left to right. Sadly we can’t fix every bug. But if we can catch bugs earlier, then we save ourselves work and we save users frustration.

We say that C# is “type-safe” because it helps us catch bugs at one of the earliest stages: the type checking stage.

The difference between an int and a string is clear, but what about custom-defined classes? Say we made Fruit and Vegetable types. Can we use PlantSeed() on both? Do they both have a Seed property? The computer running the program needs more information.

In this lesson we’ll dive into interfaces, which are sets of actions and values that describe how a class can be used. This lets the computer check that we are using each type legally, thus preventing a whole group of type errors!

In this lesson you’ll learn how to:

• build your own interface
• write classes that implement an interface