Explicit interface implementation

Context: Explicit implementation allows a class to implement interface members without making them public. Useful for resolving naming conflicts or hiding implementation details.

Syntax

void IInterfaceName.MethodName() { }

Example

public interface IWriter { void Write(); }
public interface IReader { void Write(); } // same name

public class Device : IWriter, IReader
{
    void IWriter.Write() => Console.WriteLine("Writer write");
    void IReader.Write() => Console.WriteLine("Reader write");
}

Access

Explicitly implemented members are only accessible through the interface.

Device d = new Device();
// d.Write(); // error
((IWriter)d).Write(); // "Writer write"
((IReader)d).Write(); // "Reader write"

When to Use

• Resolving name conflicts between interfaces.
• Hiding implementation details (e.g., ICollection<T> vs IEnumerable<T>).
• Forcing usage through the interface.