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Why remove unused using directives in C#?

I'm wondering if there are any reasons (apart from tidying up source code) why developers use the "Remove Unused Usings" feature in Visual Studio 2008?

Solution

  • There are a few reasons you'd want to take them out.

    • It's pointless. They add no value.
    • It's confusing. What is being used from that namespace?
    • If you don't, then you'll gradually accumulate pointless using statements as your code changes over time.
    • Static analysis is slower.
    • Code compilation is slower.

    On the other hand, there aren't many reasons to leave them in. I suppose you save yourself the effort of having to delete them. But if you're that lazy, you've got bigger problems!