C# Error CS8147 – Properties which return by reference cannot have set accessors

C# Error

CS8147 – Properties which return by reference cannot have set accessors

Reason for the Error & Solution

Properties which return by reference cannot have set accessors

Example

The following sample generates CS8147:

// CS8147.cs (6,44)

public class C
{
    private ref int number;

    ref int Number { get => ref number; init => number = value; }
}

To correct this error

Removing any set accessor for a property that returns by reference will correct this error:

public class C
{
    private ref int number;

    ref int Number => ref number;
}