The event model in the .NET Framework is based on having an event delegate that connects an event with its handler. To raise an event, two elements are needed:

• A delegate that identifies the method that provides the response to the event.

• Optionally, a class that holds the event data, if the event provides data.

The delegate is a type that defines a signature, that is, the return value type and parameter list types for a method. You can use the delegate type to declare a variable that can refer to any method with the same signature as the delegate.

The standard signature of an event handler delegate defines a method that does not return a value. This method's first parameter is of type object and refers to the instance that raises the event. Its second parameter is derived from type EventArgs and holds the event data. If the event does not generate event data, the second parameter is simply the value of the EventArgs.Empty field. Otherwise, the second parameter is a type derived from EventArgs and supplies any fields or properties needed to hold the event data.

The EventHandler delegate is a predefined delegate that specifically represents an event handler method for an event that does not generate data. If your event does generate data, you must use the generic EventHandler`1 delegate class.

To associate the event with the method that will handle the event, add an instance of the delegate to the event. The event handler is called whenever the event occurs, unless you remove the delegate.

For more information about event handler delegates, see Handling and Raising Events.