Enhance CS0051 documentation with clearer explanations and troubleshooting guidance #47629
+102
−5
Add this suggestion to a batch that can be applied as a single commit.
This suggestion is invalid because no changes were made to the code.
Suggestions cannot be applied while the pull request is closed.
Suggestions cannot be applied while viewing a subset of changes.
Only one suggestion per line can be applied in a batch.
Add this suggestion to a batch that can be applied as a single commit.
Applying suggestions on deleted lines is not supported.
You must change the existing code in this line in order to create a valid suggestion.
Outdated suggestions cannot be applied.
This suggestion has been applied or marked resolved.
Suggestions cannot be applied from pending reviews.
Suggestions cannot be applied on multi-line comments.
Suggestions cannot be applied while the pull request is queued to merge.
Suggestion cannot be applied right now. Please check back later.
The CS0051 compiler error documentation was minimal and confusing, as reported in the original issue. Users found it difficult to understand the root cause and how to fix accessibility mismatches between methods and their parameter types.
Changes Made
Enhanced Error Description: Added clear explanation that this error occurs when method parameter types are less accessible than the method itself, with specific mention of constructors as the most common scenario.
Added Troubleshooting Section: Included step-by-step guidance for diagnosing the issue:
Improved Examples:
DatabaseConfiguration
,DataService
) that developers encounter in real applicationsComprehensive Solutions Section: Added "To correct this error" with three approaches:
Each solution includes complete, working code examples showing the fix.
Better Structure: Updated documentation date, enhanced "See also" links, and ensured all relative links are correct and functional.
The enhanced documentation transforms a confusing, minimal error page into actionable guidance that directly addresses the pain points mentioned in the user feedback.
Fixes #28062.
💬 Share your feedback on Copilot coding agent for the chance to win a $200 gift card! Click here to start the survey.
Internal previews