Programming Microsoft® Visual C#® 2005: The Language

Chapter 15. Unsafe Code

In this chapter:

Unsafe Keyword

Summary

Unsafe code can access unmanaged memory, which is outside the realm of the Common Language Runtime (CLR). Conversely, safe code is limited to accessing the managed heap. The managed heap is controlled by the CLR under the auspices of the garbage collector (GC). Code that addresses the managed heap is intrinsically safer. The CLR automatically releases unused objects, performs type verification, and conducts other checks on managed memory. Developers can focus on core application development instead of administrative tasks such as memory management. For this reason, safe code improves user productivity and satisfaction.

Pointers to unmanaged memory are available in unsafe code. Like unmanaged ...