Initialize objects before using them

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 81 views

Introduction

When developing applications, especially those that involve complex user interfaces and interactions, crashes can occur due to various reasons. In this article, we will focus on a specific issue that arises when logging in to an application, specifically on a Lumia 950 XL device. We will delve into the cause of the crash, analyze the code responsible for it, and provide a solution to resolve the issue.

The Crash on Login

The crash on login occurs due to two specific lines of code in the LoginPage.xaml.cs file. These lines are responsible for navigating to the DiscordPage after the login process is complete. However, the discord object in the ViewModelBase constructor is null at the time of navigation, leading to a crash.

Analyzing the Code

Let's take a closer look at the code responsible for the crash.

// LoginPage.xaml.cs
Frame.Navigate(typeof(DiscordPage));

This line of code navigates to the DiscordPage after the login process is complete. However, as mentioned earlier, the discord object in the ViewModelBase constructor is null at the time of navigation.

// ViewModelBase.cs
public Discord discord { get; set; }

public ViewModelBase()
{
    // Initialize the discord object
    discord = new Discord();
}

As we can see, the discord object is initialized in the ViewModelBase constructor. However, this initialization occurs after the navigation to the DiscordPage has already taken place.

Understanding the Issue

The issue arises because the discord object is null at the time of navigation to the DiscordPage. This is because the LoginAsync method, which sets the discord object, is called after the navigation has already taken place.

// LoginPage.xaml.cs
await LoginAsync();

The LoginAsync method is responsible for setting the discord object. However, this method is called after the navigation to the DiscordPage has already taken place.

Finding a Solution

To resolve this issue, we need to ensure that the discord object is initialized before navigating to the DiscordPage. One way to achieve this is by using a flag to indicate whether the discord object has been initialized.

// ViewModelBase.cs
public bool IsDiscordInitialized { get; set; }

public ViewModelBase()
{
    IsDiscordInitialized = false;
}

public async Task LoginAsync()
{
    // Initialize the discord object
    discord = new Discord();
    IsDiscordInitialized = true;
}

We can then use this flag to determine whether to navigate to the DiscordPage or not.

// LoginPage.xaml.cs
if (ViewModelBase.IsDiscordInitialized)
{
    Frame.Navigate(typeof(DiscordPage));
}

By using this flag, we can ensure that the discord object is initialized before navigating to the DiscordPage, thus resolving the crash on login issue.

Conclusion

In this article, we analyzed a crash on login issue that occurred on a Lumia 950 XL device. We identified the cause of the crash, which was due to the discord object being null at the time of navigation to the DiscordPage. We then provided a solution to resolve this issue by using a flag to indicate whether the discord object has been initialized. By using this flag, we can ensure that the discord object is initialized before navigating to the DiscordPage, thus resolving the crash on login issue.

Best Practices

When developing applications, it's essential to follow best practices to avoid crashes and ensure a smooth user experience. Some best practices to keep in mind include:

Initialize objects before using them: Ensure that objects are initialized before using them to avoid crashes and unexpected behavior.
Use flags to indicate initialization: Use flags to indicate whether objects have been initialized to avoid crashes and unexpected behavior.
Test thoroughly: Test applications thoroughly to identify and resolve crashes and unexpected behavior.

By following these best practices, developers can ensure that their applications are stable, efficient, and provide a smooth user experience.

Additional Resources

For further information on developing applications and resolving crashes, refer to the following resources:

Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft provides extensive documentation on developing applications, including guidance on resolving crashes and unexpected behavior.
Stack Overflow: Stack Overflow is a community-driven platform that provides answers to common programming questions, including those related to resolving crashes and unexpected behavior.
GitHub: GitHub is a platform that provides open-source code and resources for developers, including those related to resolving crashes and unexpected behavior.

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed a crash on login issue that occurred on a Lumia 950 XL device. We analyzed the cause of the crash, which was due to the discord object being null at the time of navigation to the DiscordPage. We then provided a solution to resolve this issue by using a flag to indicate whether the discord object has been initialized.

In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to address common questions related to the crash on login issue and its solution.

Q: What is the cause of the crash on login issue?

A: The cause of the crash on login issue is due to the discord object being null at the time of navigation to the DiscordPage. This occurs because the LoginAsync method, which sets the discord object, is called after the navigation has already taken place.

Q: How can I prevent the crash on login issue?

A: To prevent the crash on login issue, you can use a flag to indicate whether the discord object has been initialized. This flag can be used to determine whether to navigate to the DiscordPage or not.

Q: What is the best way to initialize the `discord` object?

A: The best way to initialize the discord object is to use a flag to indicate whether the object has been initialized. This flag can be used to determine whether to navigate to the DiscordPage or not.

Q: Can I use a different approach to resolve the crash on login issue?

A: Yes, you can use a different approach to resolve the crash on login issue. One alternative approach is to use a try-catch block to catch the NullReferenceException that occurs when the discord object is null. However, this approach may not be the most efficient or effective solution.

Q: How can I test my application to ensure that the crash on login issue is resolved?

A: To test your application and ensure that the crash on login issue is resolved, you can use a combination of manual testing and automated testing. Manual testing involves testing your application manually to identify any crashes or unexpected behavior. Automated testing involves using tools and frameworks to test your application automatically.

Q: What are some best practices for developing applications to prevent crashes and unexpected behavior?

A: Some best practices for developing applications to prevent crashes and unexpected behavior include:

Initialize objects before using them: Ensure that objects are initialized before using them to avoid crashes and unexpected behavior.
Use flags to indicate initialization: Use flags to indicate whether objects have been initialized to avoid crashes and unexpected behavior.
Test thoroughly: Test applications thoroughly to identify and resolve crashes and unexpected behavior.

Q: Where can I find additional resources for developing applications and resolving crashes?

A: You can find additional resources for developing applications and resolving crashes on the following platforms:

Microsoft Documentation: Microsoft provides extensive documentation on developing applications, including guidance on resolving crashes and unexpected behavior.
Stack Overflow: Stack Overflow is a community-driven platform that provides answers to common programming questions, including those related to resolving crashes and unexpected behavior.
GitHub: GitHub is a platform that provides open-source code and resources for developers, including those related to resolving crashes and unexpected behavior.

By following these best practices and resources, developers can ensure that their applications are stable, efficient, and provide a smooth user experience.

Conclusion

In this article, we provided a Q&A section to address common questions related to the crash on login issue and its solution. We also provided additional resources and best practices for developing applications to prevent crashes and unexpected behavior. By following these resources and best practices, developers can ensure that their applications are stable, efficient, and provide a smooth user experience.