What is a namespace?

Namespaces allow the developer to group selected types with each other during programming and to outsource code that is required multiple times in modules. This makes the code clearer and better structured overall.

Generally speaking, a namespace or namespace is a way of grouping selected elements of a code (e.g. some classes) in a separate container . These containers can be swapped out at will and referenced in other parts of a program.

Namespaces are not only used by developers themselves, but are also strongly represented in third-party frameworks : .NET and Co. group the entire range of functions in many different namespaces in order to organize the sometimes overwhelming mass of classes and functions in a comprehensible manner.

Grouping related elements

With namespaces it is possible to group the elements of the code in a common place, which belong together. So in a program z. For example, all functions that are used for calculation are neatly separated from those that are responsible for database access or display on the surface. This grouping makes code clearer, easier to understand and easier to find.

With namespaces it is also possible to build up a hierarchical structure. .NET groups e.g. B. all system functions related to input or output in the sub-namespace System.IO. This makes it easier for developers to remember the appropriate namespace for a specific task.

Modularization of code

Namespaces enable the developer to build a modular project and outsource certain aspects to a separate file, e.g. B. because the code is required more than once. This makes the program code clearer and helps z. B. in avoiding the multiple implementation of functions. In addition, modularization makes it easier to divide the work between several developers.

Avoid name conflicts

Another advantage of namespaces is that developers have more freedom in naming their functions, classes or variables. Because they are grouped in a namespace, these elements are always to be understood in the context of their namespace.

For example, two identically named classes could be introduced into namespace A and namespace B without a name conflict in the code. Because if the corresponding classes are to be used, the declaration must indicate from which namespace the developer is currently trying to use.

The elements can thus be clearly distinguished despite having identical names. The developer does not have to pay strict attention to choosing unique names, which is a great relief especially for large projects. All names only have to be unique within a namespace.