Trying to create a C# program that uses auto-implemented properties, overrides ToString(), and uses a child class

Question

I'm going to try to be as clear as possible, but bear with me. I need to make a program that:

1. Create a class named LetterDemo that instantiates objects of two classes (named Letter and Certified Letter)
2. The Letter class includes auto-implemented properties for name of the letter recipient and the date is was mailed.
3. In the Letter class, also create a ToString() method that overrides the Object class's ToString() method and retuns a string that contains the name of the class (using GetType() and the Letter's data field values.
4. Create a child class named CertifiedLetter that contains an auto-implemented property that holds a tracking number for the letter. (I am assuming this would be given if the user indicates that the letter is certified.)

I have most of it figured out but I am stuck on the CertifiedLetter and tracking number part. Any help with clarification of how to use a child class and integrate a method within it would be a life saver. Thank you!

//using System.ComponentModel.Design;
using System.Data;
using System.Globalization;
using System.Runtime.CompilerServices;
using static System.Console;

class LetterDemo
{
    static void Main()
    {
        Letter newLetter = new Letter();

        WriteLine("Please enter name of recipient >> ");
        string inputName = ReadLine();
        newLetter.Name = inputName;

        WriteLine("Please enter the date letter was mailed >> ");
        string inputDate = ReadLine();
        newLetter.DateMailed = inputDate;

        WriteLine("Is letter certified? Y or N >> ");
        string isCertified = ReadLine();

        if (isCertified.Length > 1)
        {
            WriteLine("Please enter only 'Y' or 'N' >> ");
        }
        else
        {
           // Send to CertifiedLetter
                }
        WriteLine(newLetter.ToString());

    }
    class Letter
    {
        private string name;
        private string dateMailed;
        public string Name { get; set; }
        public string DateMailed { get; set; }

        public override string ToString()
        {
              return GetType() + " is being sent to " + Name + " one the day of " + DateMailed + ".";
            
        }
    }
    class CertfiedLetter : Letter
    {
        public static int TrackingNumber()
        {
            Random rnd = new Random();
            int newNum = rnd.Next(1000, 9999);
            int trackingNumber = newNum;
            return trackingNumber;

        }
    }
}

Answer 1

• Auto-Implemented Properties: You've correctly implemented auto-implemented properties for Name and DateMailed in the Letter class. You'll want to do something similar for the TrackingNumber in the CertifiedLetter class.

• CertifiedLetter Class: The CertifiedLetter should inherit from Letter and add an additional property for the tracking number. The TrackingNumber should not be a method but a property. You can generate a tracking number in the constructor of the CertifiedLetter.

• Handling Certified Letters: In the Main method, you need to create an instance of CertifiedLetter when the user indicates that the letter is certified. This instance should also have a name and a date, in addition to a tracking number.

• ToString Method in CertifiedLetter: Override the ToString method in CertifiedLetter to include information about the tracking number.

For example like this:

class LetterDemo
{
    static void Main()
    {
        WriteLine("Please enter name of recipient >> ");
        string inputName = ReadLine();

        WriteLine("Please enter the date letter was mailed >> ");
        string inputDate = ReadLine();

        WriteLine("Is letter certified? Y or N >> ");
        string isCertified = ReadLine();

        Letter letter;

        if (isCertified.Equals("Y", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
        {
            letter = new CertifiedLetter
            {
                Name = inputName,
                DateMailed = inputDate
            };
        }
        else
        {
            letter = new Letter
            {
                Name = inputName,
                DateMailed = inputDate
            };
        }

        WriteLine(letter.ToString());
    }
}

class Letter
{
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public string DateMailed { get; set; }

    public override string ToString()
    {
        return GetType().Name + " is being sent to " + Name + " on the day of " + DateMailed + ".";
    }
}

class CertifiedLetter : Letter
{
    public int TrackingNumber { get; }

    public CertifiedLetter()
    {
        Random rnd = new Random();
        TrackingNumber = rnd.Next(1000, 9999);
    }

    public override string ToString()
    {
        return base.ToString() + " The tracking number is " + TrackingNumber + ".";
    }
}

Edit based on your comment:

You could print the letter properties more directly:

static void Main()
{
    WriteLine("Please enter name of recipient >> ");
    string inputName = ReadLine();

    WriteLine("Please enter the date letter was mailed >> ");
    string inputDate = ReadLine();

    WriteLine("Is letter certified? Y or N >> ");
    string isCertified = ReadLine();

    if (isCertified.Equals("Y", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
    {
        // Create and display a CertifiedLetter
        CertifiedLetter certifiedLetter = new CertifiedLetter
        {
            Name = inputName,
            DateMailed = inputDate
        };
        WriteLine(certifiedLetter.ToString());
    }
    else
    {
        // Create and display a regular Letter
        Letter letter = new Letter
        {
            Name = inputName,
            DateMailed = inputDate
        };
        WriteLine(letter.ToString());
    }
}