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Domain models often involve concepts that exist in multiple distinct states or variations. Traditional approaches using enums and nullable properties can lead to invalid states and scattered logic. This article explores how discriminated unions provide a structured, type-safe way to model domain variants in .NET, aligning perfectly with Domain-Driven Design principles while enforcing invariants at the type level.

Learn how to seamlessly integrate Smart Enums with essential .NET frameworks and libraries. This article covers practical solutions for JSON serialization, ASP.NET Core model binding for both Minimal APIs and MVC controllers, and Entity Framework Core persistence using value converters. Discover how Thinktecture.Runtime.Extensions provides dedicated packages to eliminate integration friction and maintain type safety across your application stack.

Value objects are fundamental building blocks in Domain-Driven Design, serving far more than simple data wrappers. This article explores their strategic importance in bridging technical code and business concepts, enforcing domain rules, and fostering clearer communication with domain experts. Learn how to build robust aggregates, cultivate ubiquitous language, and encapsulate domain-specific behavior using Thinktecture.Runtime.Extensions in .NET applications.

Traditional C# pattern matching with switch statements and if/else chains is error-prone and doesn't guarantee exhaustive handling of all cases. When you add new types or states, it's easy to miss updating conditional logic, leading to runtime bugs. The library Thinktecture.Runtime.Extensions solves this with built-in Switch and Map methods for discriminated unions that enforce compile-time exhaustiveness checking.

Value Objects in .NET provide a structured way to improve consistency and maintainability in domain modeling. This article examines their integration with popular frameworks and libraries, highlighting best practices for seamless implementation. From working with Entity Framework to leveraging their advantages in ASP.NET, we explore how Value Objects can be effectively incorporated into various architectures. By understanding their role in framework integration, developers can optimize data handling and enhance code clarity without unnecessary complexity.

This article builds upon the introduction of Smart Enums by exploring their powerful capability to encapsulate behavior, a significant limitation of traditional C# enums. We delve into how Thinktecture.Runtime.Extensions enables embedding domain-specific logic directly within Smart Enum definitions. This co-location of data and behavior promotes more cohesive, object-oriented, and maintainable code, moving beyond scattered switch statements and extension methods. Discover techniques to make your enumerations truly "smart" by integrating behavior directly where it belongs.