Generic class Constraint with base class syntax confusion.

I would like to have my own ScriptableObject base class that provides some additions to the Scriptablebject class. The idea I am trying to implement seems like it would have this syntax but it does not compile.

Code (CSharp):

1. public class MySoBase<T> where T : MySoBase : ScriptableObject
2. {
3.    T MainSoField;
4.    // ....
5. }
6.  

. The idea being that only T' can be used that are children of MySoBase which is a child of Scriptable object.

I would use it like this:

Code (CSharp):

1. public class MySo : MySoBase<MySo>
2. {
3.   int x;
4.   MainSoField.x = 1;
5. }

Reading the MS docs on generic constraints (and other documentation) it almost seems like the constraint on T gets treated like inheritance rather than just as a constraint. Thus the compiler thinks I am trying to do multiple-inheritance and assumes I will have Dimond problem. But, if MySoBase as just a constraint, not an inheritance this should work.

Am I missing something or is the C# syntax just limited - yet again? I came from a C/C++ deep background and the syntax messes I getting to with C# are really annoying.

 

Sorry, I don't have the example correct. I have tried to change it but the system will not let me. The example I gave is a little pointless since the X is available without the field. But the question is still the same: Is there a syntax that allows me to constrain a class generic parameter without it being treated as a base class so I can still inherit from a base class.

 

First off your constraint should go after what you're inheriting from... like so:

Code (csharp):

1.  
2.     public class MySoBase<T> : ScriptableObject where T : *TypeToConstrainTo*
3.     {
4.        T MainSoField;
5.        // ....
6.     }
7.  

Next issue is that MySoBase is not a known type. MySoBase<T> is a known type... which is distinct from MySoBase. So you can't constrain to that.

 

Yes! That did it. I did not think of putting the base before the constraint. Perfect! Thanks!