#1,189 – Lambda Expression Can Capture Static Data

A lambda expression set within a static method can make use of a class’ static data.  If the static data changes after the lambda is defined, invoking the lambda later will reflect the new (modified) static data.

Suppose that we have a Dog.SetStaticLambda method that defines a lambda using some static data:

    public class Dog
    {
        public string Name { get; set; }

        public Dog(string name)
        {
            Name = name;
        }

        public static string DogMotto;

        private static Action myStaticLambda;

        public static void SetStaticLambda()
        {
            myStaticLambda = () => Console.WriteLine("Motto: {0}", DogMotto);
        }

        public static void InvokeStaticLambda()
        {
            myStaticLambda();
        }
    }

Below, we make use of these methods. Note that if we invoke the lambda after changing the static data, the new data is used.

            Dog.DogMotto = "Serving mankind for generations";
            Dog.SetStaticLambda();
            Dog.InvokeStaticLambda();  // Serving..

            Dog.DogMotto = "We want more treats";
            Dog.InvokeStaticLambda();  // Want more..