#393 – Implement a Helper Method to Raise an Event

You typically raise an event from within a class by first checking to see if the event is null, i.e. if there are any handlers defined for the event.

        public void Bark(string barkSound)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("{0} says {1}", Name, barkSound);

            if (Barked != null)
                Barked(this, new BarkEventArgs(Name, barkSound));
        }

It’s common practice, however, to define a helper method in your class that actually raises the event.  This method encapsulates the logic of raising the event, including the check for null.  If you also define this method as protected virtual, future subclasses of your class can override the helper method to override the behavior of raising the event.

        public void Bark(string barkSound)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("{0} says {1}", Name, barkSound);
            OnBarked(barkSound);
        }

        protected virtual void OnBarked(string barkSound)
        {
            if (Barked != null)
                Barked(this, new BarkEventArgs(Name, barkSound));
        }