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Enhance CS0051 documentation with clearer explanations and troubleshooting guidance #47629

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@Copilot Copilot AI commented Jul 29, 2025

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:

  • How to identify the problematic parameter type from error messages
  • F12/"Go to Definition" tip to inspect parameter type accessibility (as specifically requested)
  • Instructions for comparing accessibility levels

Improved Examples:

  • Enhanced the existing method example with clearer comments
  • Added a realistic constructor scenario showing public constructor with internal parameter type
  • Used practical examples (DatabaseConfiguration, DataService) that developers encounter in real applications

Comprehensive Solutions Section: Added "To correct this error" with three approaches:

  1. Make parameter type more accessible
  2. Reduce method accessibility to match parameter type
  3. Use interfaces/base classes as an advanced solution

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.


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📄 File 🔗 Preview link
docs/csharp/language-reference/compiler-messages/cs0051.md docs/csharp/language-reference/compiler-messages/cs0051

@Copilot Copilot AI changed the title [WIP] CS0051 Make it easier and understandable to fix Enhance CS0051 documentation with clearer explanations and troubleshooting guidance Jul 29, 2025
Copilot finished work on behalf of BillWagner July 29, 2025 21:15
@Copilot Copilot AI requested a review from BillWagner July 29, 2025 21:15
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One wording change and then this is ready.

@Copilot Copilot AI requested a review from BillWagner July 30, 2025 18:12
Copilot finished work on behalf of BillWagner July 30, 2025 18:12
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This is now ready for final review.

@BillWagner BillWagner marked this pull request as ready for review July 30, 2025 18:13
@BillWagner BillWagner requested a review from a team as a code owner July 30, 2025 18:13
@BillWagner BillWagner requested a review from tdykstra July 30, 2025 18:42
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CS0051 Make it easier and understandable to fix
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