How can I run a static constructor?

I'd like to execute the static constructor of a class (i.e. I want to "load" the class) without creating an instance. How do I do that?

Bonus question: Are there any differences between .NET 4 and older versions?

Edit:

• The class is not static.
• I want to run it before creating instances because it takes a while to run, and I'd like to avoid this delay at first access.
• The static ctor initializes private static readonly fields thus cannot be run in a method instead.

Solution 1:

The other answers are excellent, but if you need to force a class constructor to run without having a reference to the type (i.e. reflection), you can use RunClassConstructor:

Type type = ...;
System.Runtime.CompilerServices.RuntimeHelpers.RunClassConstructor(type.TypeHandle);

Solution 2:

Just reference one of your static fields. This will force your static initialization code to run. For example:

public class MyClass
{
    private static readonly int someStaticField;

    static MyClass() => someStaticField = 1;

    // any no-op method call accepting your object will do fine
    public static void TouchMe() => GC.KeepAlive(someStaticField);
}

Usage:

// initialize statics
MyClass.TouchMe();