Compiler Error CS0448

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The return type for ++ or -- operator must be the containing type or derived from the containing type

When you override the ++ or -- operators, they must return the same type as the containing type, or return a type that is derived from the containing type.

Example

The following sample generates CS0448.

// CS0448.cs
class C5
{
   public static int operator ++(C5 c) { return null; }   // CS0448
   public static C5 operator --(C5 c) { return null; }   // OK
   public static void Main() {}
}

The following sample generates CS0448.

// CS0448_b.cs
public struct S
{
   public static S? operator ++(S s) { return new S(); }   // CS0448
   public static S? operator --(S s) { return new S(); }   // CS0448
}

public struct T
{
// OK
   public static T operator --(T t) { return new T(); }
   public static T operator ++(T t) { return new T(); }

   public static T? operator --(T? t) { return new T(); }
   public static T? operator ++(T? t) { return new T(); }

   public static void Main() {}
}