In C# the "var" keyword can be used instead of providing an explicit type when declaring a variable. The type is then inferred from the initial assignment of the variable. <endIntro /> It is just a short hand to save developers from typing out the type of a variable. ``` List<string> items = new List<string>(); ``` **❌ Figure: Bad example - You should just use "var" instead of "List<string>"** ``` var item = new List<string>(); ``` **✅ Figure: Good example - Using "var" to save a few keystrokes and reduce repetition** This can be kept consistent by creating an [editorconfig file](/consistent-code-style) which can then generate compile time warnings. An [example editor config](https://github.com/SSWConsulting/SSW.CleanArchitecture/blob/main/.editorconfig), look for the **var preferences**.