[RESOLVED] generic ReDim function in C#

[tr333]

is it possible to create a generic ReDim function in C# that will take in any data type? creating a ReDim function for a single data type is easy, but handling any data type seems to be confusing.

[jmcilhinney]

I assume you are concerned about the "Preserve" keyword, because you don't need a ReDim function if you don't want to preserve. Just assign a new Array object to your variable:

int[] myArray = new int[10];

myArray = new int[20];

Also, the Array.Copy method can achive what ReDim Preserve does in just a few lines anyway:

int[] myArray = new int[5];

int[] tempArray = new int[10];
Array.Copy(myArray, 0, tempArray, 0, Math.Min(myArray.Length, tempArray.Length));
myArray = tempArray;

I'm not sure you can do it any other way, because you cannot convert back and forth between an Array object and an array of a particular type of objects.

[tr333]

i guess it would have to be a separate function for each type of array.

[NoteMe]

It sounds like you want templates. Something I don't think C# has. But you might be able to pull it off using Interface, but it depends on what you want to do. But templates would be the best.


- ØØ -

[NoteMe]

Or you also might be able to do it with the Object class, since after all, in C# EVERY object is derived somehow from Object.

using System;

class MainClass{

	public static void Main(string[] args){
	
        Object[] array = new Object[5];
        
        for (int i = 0; i < 5; i++){
            array[i] = i;       
        }	
        
        Object[] tempArray = new Object[10];

        Array.Copy(array, 0, tempArray, 0, Math.Min(array.Length, tempArray.Length));
        array = tempArray;
		
        for (int i = 0; i < 10; i++){
            Console.WriteLine("Array[i]: " + array[i]);       
        }	
	
	
	}
	
}

[wossname]

Visual Studio 2005 Has the Generic namespace wthich is pretty much exactly like C++ template. So you'll be able to have a single Redim function in C# that can handle any array type.

2005 rules.

[NoteMe]

Yeah, make him wait untill C# 2.0 is out..


- ØØ -

[dj4uk]

I'm sure it's not as efficient as a standard Array but how about using an ArrayList that automatically resizes as needed?

DJ

[tr333]

an arraylist sounds like the way to go.

thanks.