Can you explain how reference data types differ from value types in C#?

In C#, data types are divided into value types and reference types.

• Value types store data directly. When assigned or passed to a method, the value is copied. Examples: int, double, struct.
• Reference types store a reference to the memory area where the data is located. When assigned, only the reference is copied, not the actual data. Examples: class, string, arrays.

Example:

int a = 5;
int b = a; // b gets a copy of the value 5
b = 10; // a remains 5

class Person { public string Name; }
Person p1 = new Person { Name = "Alice" };
Person p2 = p1; // p2 and p1 refer to the same object
p2.Name = "Bob"; // now p1.Name is also "Bob"

Thus, changes in reference types through one variable are reflected in all references, while in value types they are not.