What is the best way to give a C# auto-property an initial value?

One of the cleanest ways to give an auto-property an initial value in C# is by using auto-property initializers, a feature introduced in C# 6.0. This approach allows you to set a default value for your auto-property directly where it’s declared, eliminating the need for a constructor-based initialization (unless you have additional logic).

public class SampleClass
{
    public int MyProperty { get; set; } = 42;  // Inline initialization
}

Why Use Auto-Property Initializers?

1. Simplicity: By placing the initial value inline, you make your code more readable and reduce boilerplate.
2. Immediate Clarity: Other developers instantly see the default value without digging into a constructor or initialization method.
3. Maintenance: When changes are needed, you only update the initialization in one place.

Alternative: Constructor Initialization

If you need more complex logic—such as conditional checks or parameter-based initialization—you might still opt for a constructor:

public class AnotherSample
{
    public int MyProperty { get; set; }

    public AnotherSample(int value)
    {
        MyProperty = value > 0 ? value : 42;  // Additional logic
    }
}

However, for straightforward defaults, auto-property initializers are typically the most concise and idiomatic choice in modern C#.

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