# Tell, Don't Ask

Tell an object what to do instead of pulling its data out and deciding for it.

## What is **Tell, Don't Ask**?

**Tell, don't ask** means telling an object what to do instead of pulling its data out and deciding for it. The object that owns the data should own the decision.

```csharp
// Asking
if (account.Balance >= price) account.Balance -= price;

// Telling
account.Withdraw(price);
```

Level: Freelancer · [More OOP terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/oop/freelancer)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/tell-don-t-ask