How to Resolve Error "CS0241: Default parameter specifiers are not permitted" in C#

The Compiler Error CS0241 is a syntax restriction error. The message reads: "Default parameter specifiers are not permitted".

In C#, you are accustomed to using Optional Parameters (e.g., void MyMethod(int a = 0)) to provide default values. However, the C# language specification strictly forbids default values in User-Defined Operators. Operators (like +, -, ==, implicit) have a fixed "arity" (number of arguments). A binary operator must take exactly two arguments; a unary operator must take exactly one. Allowing a default value would break the syntax rules of the language (e.g., a + is not valid syntax).

This guide explains where this restriction applies and how to restructure your code.

Understanding Operator Arity

Operators in C# are rigid constructs.

• Unary Operators (!, ++, -): Require exactly 1 operand.
• Binary Operators (+, *, ==): Require exactly 2 operands.

If you were allowed to write operator +(Type a, Type b = default), you would technically allow calling the plus operator with one argument. Since variable + is meaningless in C# syntax, the compiler prevents you from defining such a structure.

Scenario: Default Values in Operator Overloading

This error occurs almost exclusively when defining operator methods inside a class or struct.

Example of error: attempting to provide a fallback value for the second operand of an addition operator.

public class ComplexNumber
{
    public int Real { get; set; }
    public int Imaginary { get; set; }

    // ⛔️ Error CS0241: Default parameter specifiers are not permitted.
    // Binary operators MUST have exactly two inputs provided by the caller.
    public static ComplexNumber operator +(ComplexNumber a, ComplexNumber b = null)
    {
        if (b == null) return a;
        return new ComplexNumber { Real = a.Real + b.Real };
    }
}

Solution 1: Remove the Default Value

Since the operator syntax (a + b) always provides two values, the default value logic is usually unnecessary or misplaced. Simply remove the assignment.

Solution:

public class ComplexNumber
{
    public int Real { get; set; }

    // ✅ Correct: Standard binary operator definition.
    public static ComplexNumber operator +(ComplexNumber a, ComplexNumber b)
    {
        // If you need to handle nulls, do it inside the body, 
        // not in the signature.
        if (b is null) return a;
        
        return new ComplexNumber { Real = a.Real + b.Real };
    }
}

Solution 2: Use a Named Method

If your intention was indeed to create a function where the second argument is optional (e.g., "Add this, and optionally add that"), you should not use operator overloading. You should use a standard Method, which fully supports optional parameters.

Solution: replace the operator with a static or instance method.

public class ComplexNumber
{
    public int Real { get; set; }

    // ✅ Correct: Methods allow default parameters.
    public static ComplexNumber Add(ComplexNumber a, ComplexNumber b = null)
    {
        if (b is null) return a;
        return new ComplexNumber { Real = a.Real + b.Real };
    }
}

public class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        var c1 = new ComplexNumber { Real = 10 };
        
        // Usage:
        var result = ComplexNumber.Add(c1); // Allowed because 'b' is optional
    }
}

note

Why not Overload? You cannot "overload" an operator to take fewer arguments to simulate defaults. You cannot define operator +(Type a) to handle the default case, because operator + with one parameter is a Unary Plus (e.g., +a), which is semantically different from Addition (a + b).

Conclusion

CS0241 protects the grammar of the C# language.

1. Identify the Context: Are you inside an operator definition?
2. Remove Defaults: Delete any = value assignments in the parameter list.
3. Refactor: If optional parameters are required for your logic, switch from an operator to a standard Method (e.g., Add, Combine, Merge).