Enhance CS0051 documentation with clearer explanations and troubleshooting guidance #47629
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…ting steps Co-authored-by: BillWagner <[email protected]>
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[WIP] CS0051 Make it easier and understandable to fix
Enhance CS0051 documentation with clearer explanations and troubleshooting guidance
Jul 29, 2025
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One wording change and then this is ready.
Co-authored-by: BillWagner <[email protected]>
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This is now ready for final review.
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Co-authored-by: Genevieve Warren <[email protected]>
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Co-authored-by: BillWagner <[email protected]>
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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.
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