Why can't I get the MethodBody of GetType()?

Question

Let's say I have this line:

MethodBody getTypeMethod = typeof(object).GetMethod("GetType").GetMethodBody();
// getTypeMethod is null

Why is getTypeMethod null? How can I get the MethodBody of the GetType() method?

@StingyJack Yup, tried with `System.String` and `System.Int32` and still no luck. — Matias Cicero, Nov 04 '15 at 18:32
Looks like the answer is that it's a magic call into CLR internals (not too surprising): http://stackoverflow.com/questions/5056788/object-gettype-source-code — 15ee8f99-57ff-4f92-890c-b56153, Nov 04 '15 at 18:34
@EdPlunkett That must be it. Since `GeType()` is `extern`, it does not have a method body, hence the `null` value — Matias Cicero, Nov 04 '15 at 18:38

score 4 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:03

You got to the answer yourself, but just to confirm, Object.GetType() is an external method and external methods does not have a method body specified.

From C# specs 10.6.7

When a method declaration includes an extern modifier, that method is said to be an external method. External methods are implemented externally, typically using a language other than C#. Because an external method declaration provides no actual implementation, the method-body of an external method simply consists of a semicolon.

Here's more elaborate answer.

Why can't I get the MethodBody of GetType()?

1 Answers1