Related
My application receives Kafka messages that contain a Dictionary<string,string> as one of the properties, and its values could be a nested (however dynamic) json string, and I need to iterate through this unknown json. I am struggling to find a logic and even the best data structure to do this iteration.
Examples of the dictionary (mocked data):
//could have complex nested json string as value
"reward":"{
'xp':'200',
'gp':'150',
'loot':'{
'item':'sword',
'rarity': 'low'
}'
}",
"achievement":"win_match"
// while other messages might be simple
"type":"generic_xp",
"percent":"100",
"status":"complete"
Serialized version of a real message:
"{\"player_stats\":\"{\\\"assist\\\":0,\\\"deaths\\\":0,\\\"kills\\\":0,\\\"team_index\\\":2}\",\"round_attr\":\"{\\\"max_player_count\\\":4,\\\"rdur\\\":0,\\\"round\\\":1,\\\"team_player_count\\\":{\\\"team_1\\\":1,\\\"team_2\\\":0},\\\"team_score\\\":0}\",\"custom\":\"{\\\"armor\\\":\\\"armor_pickup_lv2\\\",\\\"balance\\\":550,\\\"helmet\\\":\\\"helmet_pickup_lv2\\\",\\\"misc\\\":[{\\\"count\\\":48,\\\"item_id\\\":\\\"shotgun\\\"},{\\\"count\\\":120,\\\"item_id\\\":\\\"bullet\\\"},{\\\"count\\\":2,\\\"item_id\\\":\\\"health_pickup_combo_small\\\"},{\\\"count\\\":2,\\\"item_id\\\":\\\"health_pickup_health_small\\\"}],\\\"weapon_1\\\":\\\"mp_weapon_semipistol\\\",\\\"weapon_2\\\":\\\"mp_weapon_shotgun_pistol\\\"}\",\"gdur\":\"0\"}"
To complicate even more
Create a model class is not an option because this json is completely dynamic
Flatting the dictionary is not possible because the json may have duplicated key names, but under different hierarchy
I cant request to change the Kafka message
What I am trying to do
The end user will define rules that I need to check if I find a match. For instance, a rule could be reward.xp == 200 or reward.loot.rarity == high or status == complete. These rules will be defined by the user so it cant be hardcoded, however I can decide with data structure to use to save them. So for each Kafka message, I have to iterate through that dictionary and try to find a match with the rules.
What I have tried
I ve tried JsonConvert.Deserialize to object, dynamic, ExpandoObject and none could handle the nested json hierarchy. They just got the 1st level correct. Same result with JObject.Parse as well.
Parse the JSON using whatever parser you like (I used Newtonsoft.Json).
Then recursively visit the hierarchy and copy each property to a flat list using the full path to each property value as a key. You can then iterate that flat list.
Edit: Comment requested supporting arrays, so this version does.
https://dotnetfiddle.net/6ykHT0
using System;
using Newtonsoft.Json.Linq;
using System.Linq;
using System.Collections.Generic;
public class Program
{
public static void Main()
{
string json = #"{
'reward': {
'xp': '200',
'gp': '150',
'loot': {
'item': 'sword',
'rarity': 'low',
'blah': {
'socks': 5
}
},
'arrayofint': [1,2,3,4],
'arrayofobj': [
{
'foo': 'bar',
'stuff': ['omg!', 'what?!']
},
{
'foo': 'baz',
'stuff': ['a', 'b']
}
],
'arrayofarray': [
[1,2,3],
[4,5,6]
],
'arrayofheterogenousjunk': [
'a',
2,
{ 'objprop': 1 },
['staahp!']
]
},
'achievement': 'win_match'
}";
JObject data = JObject.Parse(json);
IList<string> nodes = flattenJSON(data);
Console.WriteLine(string.Join(Environment.NewLine, nodes));
}
private static IList<string> flattenJSON(JToken token)
{
return _flattenJSON(token, new List<string>());
}
private static IList<string> _flattenJSON(JToken token, List<string> path)
{
var output = new List<string>();
if (token.Type == JTokenType.Object)
{
// Output the object's child properties
output.AddRange(token.Children().SelectMany(x => _flattenJSON(x, path)));
}
else if (token.Type == JTokenType.Array)
{
// Output each array element
var arrayIndex = 0;
foreach (var child in token.Children())
{
// Append the array index to the end of the last path segment - e.g. someProperty[n]
var newPath = new List<string>(path);
newPath[newPath.Count - 1] += "[" + arrayIndex++ + "]";
output.AddRange(_flattenJSON(child, newPath));
}
}
else if (token.Type == JTokenType.Property)
{
var prop = token as JProperty;
// Insert the property name into the path
output.AddRange(_flattenJSON(prop.Value, new List<string>(path) { prop.Name }));
}
else
{
// Join the path segments delimited with periods, followed by the literal value
output.Add(string.Join(".", path) + " = " + token.ToString());
}
return output;
}
}
Output:
reward.xp = 200
reward.gp = 150
reward.loot.item = sword
reward.loot.rarity = low
reward.loot.blah.socks = 5
reward.arrayofint[0] = 1
reward.arrayofint[1] = 2
reward.arrayofint[2] = 3
reward.arrayofint[3] = 4
reward.arrayofobj[0].foo = bar
reward.arrayofobj[0].stuff[0] = omg!
reward.arrayofobj[0].stuff[1] = what?!
reward.arrayofobj[1].foo = baz
reward.arrayofobj[1].stuff[0] = a
reward.arrayofobj[1].stuff[1] = b
reward.arrayofarray[0][0] = 1
reward.arrayofarray[0][1] = 2
reward.arrayofarray[0][2] = 3
reward.arrayofarray[1][0] = 4
reward.arrayofarray[1][1] = 5
reward.arrayofarray[1][2] = 6
reward.arrayofheterogenousjunk[0] = a
reward.arrayofheterogenousjunk[1] = 2
reward.arrayofheterogenousjunk[2].objprop = 1
reward.arrayofheterogenousjunk[3][0] = staahp!
achievement = win_match
PREVIOUS VERSION (NO ARRAY SUPPORT)
This doesn't properly support arrays - it will output the contents of a property that is an array as the raw JSON - i.e. it won't traverse into the array.
https://dotnetfiddle.net/yZbwul
public static void Main()
{
string json = #"{
'reward': {
'xp': '200',
'gp': '150',
'loot': {
'item': 'sword',
'rarity': 'low',
'blah': {
'socks': 5
}
}
},
'achievement': 'win_match'
}";
JObject data = JObject.Parse(json);
IList<string> nodes = flattenJSON(data, new List<string>());
Console.WriteLine(string.Join(Environment.NewLine, nodes));
}
private static IList<string> flattenJSON(JObject obj, IList<string> path)
{
var output = new List<string>();
foreach (var prop in obj.Properties())
{
if (prop.Value.Type == JTokenType.Object)
{
output.AddRange(flattenJSON(prop.Value as JObject, new List<string>(path){prop.Name}));
}
else
{
var s = string.Join(".", new List<string>(path) { prop.Name }) + " = " + prop.Value.ToString();
output.Add(s);
}
}
return output;
}
Output:
reward.xp = 200
reward.gp = 150
reward.loot.item = sword
reward.loot.rarity = low
reward.loot.blah.socks = 5
achievement = win_match
What are all the array initialization syntaxes that are possible with C#?
These are the current declaration and initialization methods for a simple array.
string[] array = new string[2]; // creates array of length 2, default values
string[] array = new string[] { "A", "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
string[] array = { "A" , "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
string[] array = new[] { "A", "B" }; // created populated array of length 2
Note that other techniques of obtaining arrays exist, such as the Linq ToArray() extensions on IEnumerable<T>.
Also note that in the declarations above, the first two could replace the string[] on the left with var (C# 3+), as the information on the right is enough to infer the proper type. The third line must be written as displayed, as array initialization syntax alone is not enough to satisfy the compiler's demands. The fourth could also use inference. So if you're into the whole brevity thing, the above could be written as
var array = new string[2]; // creates array of length 2, default values
var array = new string[] { "A", "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
string[] array = { "A" , "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
var array = new[] { "A", "B" }; // created populated array of length 2
The array creation syntaxes in C# that are expressions are:
new int[3]
new int[3] { 10, 20, 30 }
new int[] { 10, 20, 30 }
new[] { 10, 20, 30 }
In the first one, the size may be any non-negative integral value and the array elements are initialized to the default values.
In the second one, the size must be a constant and the number of elements given must match. There must be an implicit conversion from the given elements to the given array element type.
In the third one, the elements must be implicitly convertible to the element type, and the size is determined from the number of elements given.
In the fourth one the type of the array element is inferred by computing the best type, if there is one, of all the given elements that have types. All the elements must be implicitly convertible to that type. The size is determined from the number of elements given. This syntax was introduced in C# 3.0.
There is also a syntax which may only be used in a declaration:
int[] x = { 10, 20, 30 };
The elements must be implicitly convertible to the element type. The size is determined from the number of elements given.
there isn't an all-in-one guide
I refer you to C# 4.0 specification, section 7.6.10.4 "Array Creation Expressions".
Non-empty arrays
var data0 = new int[3]
var data1 = new int[3] { 1, 2, 3 }
var data2 = new int[] { 1, 2, 3 }
var data3 = new[] { 1, 2, 3 }
var data4 = { 1, 2, 3 } is not compilable. Use int[] data5 = { 1, 2, 3 } instead.
Empty arrays
var data6 = new int[0]
var data7 = new int[] { }
var data8 = new [] { } and int[] data9 = new [] { } are not compilable.
var data10 = { } is not compilable. Use int[] data11 = { } instead.
As an argument of a method
Only expressions that can be assigned with the var keyword can be passed as arguments.
Foo(new int[2])
Foo(new int[2] { 1, 2 })
Foo(new int[] { 1, 2 })
Foo(new[] { 1, 2 })
Foo({ 1, 2 }) is not compilable
Foo(new int[0])
Foo(new int[] { })
Foo({}) is not compilable
Enumerable.Repeat(String.Empty, count).ToArray()
Will create array of empty strings repeated 'count' times. In case you want to initialize array with same yet special default element value. Careful with reference types, all elements will refer same object.
In case you want to initialize a fixed array of pre-initialized equal (non-null or other than default) elements, use this:
var array = Enumerable.Repeat(string.Empty, 37).ToArray();
Also please take part in this discussion.
var contacts = new[]
{
new
{
Name = " Eugene Zabokritski",
PhoneNumbers = new[] { "206-555-0108", "425-555-0001" }
},
new
{
Name = " Hanying Feng",
PhoneNumbers = new[] { "650-555-0199" }
}
};
Example to create an array of a custom class
Below is the class definition.
public class DummyUser
{
public string email { get; set; }
public string language { get; set; }
}
This is how you can initialize the array:
private DummyUser[] arrDummyUser = new DummyUser[]
{
new DummyUser{
email = "abc.xyz#email.com",
language = "English"
},
new DummyUser{
email = "def#email.com",
language = "Spanish"
}
};
Just a note
The following arrays:
string[] array = new string[2];
string[] array2 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
string[] array3 = { "A" , "B" };
string[] array4 = new[] { "A", "B" };
Will be compiled to:
string[] array = new string[2];
string[] array2 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
string[] array3 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
string[] array4 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
Repeat without LINQ:
float[] floats = System.Array.ConvertAll(new float[16], v => 1.0f);
int[] array = new int[4];
array[0] = 10;
array[1] = 20;
array[2] = 30;
or
string[] week = new string[] {"Sunday","Monday","Tuesday"};
or
string[] array = { "Sunday" , "Monday" };
and in multi dimensional array
Dim i, j As Integer
Dim strArr(1, 2) As String
strArr(0, 0) = "First (0,0)"
strArr(0, 1) = "Second (0,1)"
strArr(1, 0) = "Third (1,0)"
strArr(1, 1) = "Fourth (1,1)"
For Class initialization:
var page1 = new Class1();
var page2 = new Class2();
var pages = new UIViewController[] { page1, page2 };
Another way of creating and initializing an array of objects. This is similar to the example which #Amol has posted above, except this one uses constructors. A dash of polymorphism sprinkled in, I couldn't resist.
IUser[] userArray = new IUser[]
{
new DummyUser("abc#cde.edu", "Gibberish"),
new SmartyUser("pga#lna.it", "Italian", "Engineer")
};
Classes for context:
interface IUser
{
string EMail { get; } // immutable, so get only an no set
string Language { get; }
}
public class DummyUser : IUser
{
public DummyUser(string email, string language)
{
m_email = email;
m_language = language;
}
private string m_email;
public string EMail
{
get { return m_email; }
}
private string m_language;
public string Language
{
get { return m_language; }
}
}
public class SmartyUser : IUser
{
public SmartyUser(string email, string language, string occupation)
{
m_email = email;
m_language = language;
m_occupation = occupation;
}
private string m_email;
public string EMail
{
get { return m_email; }
}
private string m_language;
public string Language
{
get { return m_language; }
}
private string m_occupation;
}
For the class below:
public class Page
{
private string data;
public Page()
{
}
public Page(string data)
{
this.Data = data;
}
public string Data
{
get
{
return this.data;
}
set
{
this.data = value;
}
}
}
you can initialize the array of above object as below.
Pages = new Page[] { new Page("a string") };
Hope this helps.
hi just to add another way:
from this page :
https://learn.microsoft.com/it-it/dotnet/api/system.linq.enumerable.range?view=netcore-3.1
you can use this form If you want to Generates a sequence of integral numbers within a specified range strat 0 to 9:
using System.Linq
.....
public int[] arrayName = Enumerable.Range(0, 9).ToArray();
You can also create dynamic arrays i.e. you can first ask the size of the array from the user before creating it.
Console.Write("Enter size of array");
int n = Convert.ToInt16(Console.ReadLine());
int[] dynamicSizedArray= new int[n]; // Here we have created an array of size n
Console.WriteLine("Input Elements");
for(int i=0;i<n;i++)
{
dynamicSizedArray[i] = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());
}
Console.WriteLine("Elements of array are :");
foreach (int i in dynamicSizedArray)
{
Console.WriteLine(i);
}
Console.ReadKey();
Trivial solution with expressions. Note that with NewArrayInit you can create just one-dimensional array.
NewArrayExpression expr = Expression.NewArrayInit(typeof(int), new[] { Expression.Constant(2), Expression.Constant(3) });
int[] array = Expression.Lambda<Func<int[]>>(expr).Compile()(); // compile and call callback
To initialize an empty array, it should be Array.Empty<T>() in dotnet 5.0
For string
var items = Array.Empty<string>();
For number
var items = Array.Empty<int>();
Another way is by calling a static function (for a static object) or any function for instance objects. This can be used for member initialisation.
Now I've not tested all of this so I'll put what I've tested (static member and static function)
Class x {
private static Option[] options = GetOptionList();
private static Option[] GetOptionList() {
return (someSourceOfData).Select(dataitem => new Option()
{field=dataitem.value,field2=dataitem.othervalue});
}
}
What I'd love to know is if there is a way to bypass the function declaration. I know in this example it could be used directly, but assume the function is a little more complex and can't be reduced to a single expression.
I imagine something like the following (but it doesn't work)
Class x {
private static Option[] options = () => {
Lots of prep stuff here that means we can not just use the next line
return (someSourceOfData).Select(dataitem => new Option()
{field=dataitem.value,field2=dataitem.othervalue});
}
}
Basically a way of just declaring the function for the scope of filling the variable.
I'd love it if someone can show me how to do that.
For multi-dimensional array in C# declaration & assign values.
public class Program
{
static void Main()
{
char[][] charArr = new char[][] { new char[] { 'a', 'b' }, new char[] { 'c', 'd' } };
int[][] intArr = new int[][] { new int[] { 1, 2 }, new int[] { 3, 4 } };
}
}
My hashtable contains (key, Values[])
e.g:
myHashtable[keys, Values[]]
myHashtable.Add[1, Value1];
myHashtable.Add[2, Value2];
myHashtable.Add[3, Value3];
myHashtable.Add[4, Value4];
myHashtable.Add[5, Value5];
Where Value1; Value2, value3, value4, and value5 is as follows.
Value1[name = "Smith"]
Value1[Title= "Mr"]
Value1[Salary = 1000]
Value1[Identity = "S"]
Value2[name = "Peter"]
Value2[Title= "Mr"]
Value2[Salary = 1000]
Value2[Identity = "A"]
Value3[name = "Tom"]
Value3[Title= "Mr"]
Value3[Salary = 1000]
Value3[Identity = "C"]
Value4[name = "Marry"]
Value4[Title= "Ms"]
Value4[Salary = 1000]
Value4[Identity = ""]
Value5[name = "Sam"]
Value5[Title= "Mr"]
Value5[Salary = 1000]
Value5[Identity = "C"]
I want to order this dictionaryEntry list values where Identity with "C" values first then "A" then "S" then ""
After sorting the Result should be like as follows.
myHashtable.Add[3, Value3]; // Value3.Identity = "C"
myHashtable.Add[5, Value5]; // Value5.Identity = "C"
myHashtable.Add[2, Value2]; // Value2.Identity = "A"
myHashtable.Add[1, Value1]; // Value1.Identity = "S"
myHashtable.Add[4, Value4]; // Value4.Identity = ""
Here is my attempt.
var result1 = new List<DictionaryEntry>(hashtable.Count);
var result2 = new List<DictionaryEntry>(hashtable.Count);
var result3 = new List<DictionaryEntry>(hashtable.Count);
var result4 = new List<DictionaryEntry>(hashtable.Count);
var result = new List<DictionaryEntry>(hashtable.Count);
foreach (DictionaryEntry entry in hashtable)
{
result.Add(entry);
}
foreach (DictionaryEntry dictionaryEntry in result)
{
var t2 = dictionaryEntry.Value;
switch (t2.Identity)
{
case "C":
result1.Add(dictionaryEntry);
break;
case "A":
result2.Add(dictionaryEntry);
break;
case "S":
result3.Add(dictionaryEntry);
break;
case "":
result4.Add(dictionaryEntry);
break;
default:
break;
}
}
result1.ToList();
result2.ToList();
result3.ToList();
var combinedResult = result1.Union(result2)
.Union(result3)
.Union(result4)
.ToDictionary(k => k.Key, v => v.Value).OrderByDescending(v => v.Value);
How can I sort combinedResult to give me the above custom sorted dictionary entry list?
Any help is greatly appriciated.
Thank You
When a Dictionary data structure is implemented with a hashtable, in order to achieve the amortized O(1) insert/delete/update operations the data is unsorted. On the other hand, when the Dictionary is implemented with a balanced tree, the operations are a bit slower O(logn) but they can be enumerated in sorted way (by the key). For example, C# dictionary implementation is unsorted, and a C++ map is sorted (based on a red-black tree)
Given the above (you cannot have the data sorted however you want in the dictionary), What you can do is save the dictionary as a List/Array, and then sort by whichever comparator you want.
Here is an example of a Dictionary and a custom comparer, where you can get the values in the dictionary sorted by the logic in the custom comparer:
public class Data
{
public string Name { get; set; }
public string Identity { get; set; }
}
public class CustomerComparer : IComparer<KeyValuePair<int, Data>>
{
private List<string> orderedLetters = new List<string>() { "C", "A", "S" };
public int Compare(KeyValuePair<int, Data> str1, KeyValuePair<int, Data> str2)
{
return orderedLetters.IndexOf(str1.Value.Identity) - orderedLetters.IndexOf(str2.Value.Identity);
}
}
class Program
{
static void Main(string[] args)
{
Data value1 = new Data { Name = "Name1", Identity = "S" };
Data value2 = new Data { Name = "Name2", Identity = "A" };
Data value3 = new Data { Name = "Name3", Identity = "C" };
Data value4 = new Data { Name = "Name4", Identity = "C" };
Dictionary<int, Data> unsortedDictionary = new Dictionary<int, Data>();
unsortedDictionary.Add(1, value1);
unsortedDictionary.Add(2, value2);
unsortedDictionary.Add(3, value3);
unsortedDictionary.Add(4, value4);
var customSortedValues = unsortedDictionary.Values.OrderBy(item => item, new CustomerComparer()).ToArray();
for (int i=0; i < customSortedValues.Length; i++)
{
var kvp = customSortedValues[i];
Console.WriteLine("{0}: {1}=(Name={2}, Identity={3})", i, kvp.Key, kvp.Value.Name, kvp.Value.Identity);
}
}
}
//Output is:
//0: Name3=C
//1: Name4=C
//2: Name2=A
//3: Name1=S
You can also use a SortedDictionary (as #Clockwork-Muse suggests) and pass a similar CustomComparer as in the above example. This really depends on what your requirements are. If you need the operations to stay fast and only need the values sorted for, perhaps, reporting, then just sort when the values are needed (as in my example). If you will be accessing the sorted values alot, it may make sense to just keep them sorted in the first place.
What are all the array initialization syntaxes that are possible with C#?
These are the current declaration and initialization methods for a simple array.
string[] array = new string[2]; // creates array of length 2, default values
string[] array = new string[] { "A", "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
string[] array = { "A" , "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
string[] array = new[] { "A", "B" }; // created populated array of length 2
Note that other techniques of obtaining arrays exist, such as the Linq ToArray() extensions on IEnumerable<T>.
Also note that in the declarations above, the first two could replace the string[] on the left with var (C# 3+), as the information on the right is enough to infer the proper type. The third line must be written as displayed, as array initialization syntax alone is not enough to satisfy the compiler's demands. The fourth could also use inference. So if you're into the whole brevity thing, the above could be written as
var array = new string[2]; // creates array of length 2, default values
var array = new string[] { "A", "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
string[] array = { "A" , "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
var array = new[] { "A", "B" }; // created populated array of length 2
The array creation syntaxes in C# that are expressions are:
new int[3]
new int[3] { 10, 20, 30 }
new int[] { 10, 20, 30 }
new[] { 10, 20, 30 }
In the first one, the size may be any non-negative integral value and the array elements are initialized to the default values.
In the second one, the size must be a constant and the number of elements given must match. There must be an implicit conversion from the given elements to the given array element type.
In the third one, the elements must be implicitly convertible to the element type, and the size is determined from the number of elements given.
In the fourth one the type of the array element is inferred by computing the best type, if there is one, of all the given elements that have types. All the elements must be implicitly convertible to that type. The size is determined from the number of elements given. This syntax was introduced in C# 3.0.
There is also a syntax which may only be used in a declaration:
int[] x = { 10, 20, 30 };
The elements must be implicitly convertible to the element type. The size is determined from the number of elements given.
there isn't an all-in-one guide
I refer you to C# 4.0 specification, section 7.6.10.4 "Array Creation Expressions".
Non-empty arrays
var data0 = new int[3]
var data1 = new int[3] { 1, 2, 3 }
var data2 = new int[] { 1, 2, 3 }
var data3 = new[] { 1, 2, 3 }
var data4 = { 1, 2, 3 } is not compilable. Use int[] data5 = { 1, 2, 3 } instead.
Empty arrays
var data6 = new int[0]
var data7 = new int[] { }
var data8 = new [] { } and int[] data9 = new [] { } are not compilable.
var data10 = { } is not compilable. Use int[] data11 = { } instead.
As an argument of a method
Only expressions that can be assigned with the var keyword can be passed as arguments.
Foo(new int[2])
Foo(new int[2] { 1, 2 })
Foo(new int[] { 1, 2 })
Foo(new[] { 1, 2 })
Foo({ 1, 2 }) is not compilable
Foo(new int[0])
Foo(new int[] { })
Foo({}) is not compilable
Enumerable.Repeat(String.Empty, count).ToArray()
Will create array of empty strings repeated 'count' times. In case you want to initialize array with same yet special default element value. Careful with reference types, all elements will refer same object.
In case you want to initialize a fixed array of pre-initialized equal (non-null or other than default) elements, use this:
var array = Enumerable.Repeat(string.Empty, 37).ToArray();
Also please take part in this discussion.
var contacts = new[]
{
new
{
Name = " Eugene Zabokritski",
PhoneNumbers = new[] { "206-555-0108", "425-555-0001" }
},
new
{
Name = " Hanying Feng",
PhoneNumbers = new[] { "650-555-0199" }
}
};
Example to create an array of a custom class
Below is the class definition.
public class DummyUser
{
public string email { get; set; }
public string language { get; set; }
}
This is how you can initialize the array:
private DummyUser[] arrDummyUser = new DummyUser[]
{
new DummyUser{
email = "abc.xyz#email.com",
language = "English"
},
new DummyUser{
email = "def#email.com",
language = "Spanish"
}
};
Just a note
The following arrays:
string[] array = new string[2];
string[] array2 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
string[] array3 = { "A" , "B" };
string[] array4 = new[] { "A", "B" };
Will be compiled to:
string[] array = new string[2];
string[] array2 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
string[] array3 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
string[] array4 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
Repeat without LINQ:
float[] floats = System.Array.ConvertAll(new float[16], v => 1.0f);
int[] array = new int[4];
array[0] = 10;
array[1] = 20;
array[2] = 30;
or
string[] week = new string[] {"Sunday","Monday","Tuesday"};
or
string[] array = { "Sunday" , "Monday" };
and in multi dimensional array
Dim i, j As Integer
Dim strArr(1, 2) As String
strArr(0, 0) = "First (0,0)"
strArr(0, 1) = "Second (0,1)"
strArr(1, 0) = "Third (1,0)"
strArr(1, 1) = "Fourth (1,1)"
For Class initialization:
var page1 = new Class1();
var page2 = new Class2();
var pages = new UIViewController[] { page1, page2 };
Another way of creating and initializing an array of objects. This is similar to the example which #Amol has posted above, except this one uses constructors. A dash of polymorphism sprinkled in, I couldn't resist.
IUser[] userArray = new IUser[]
{
new DummyUser("abc#cde.edu", "Gibberish"),
new SmartyUser("pga#lna.it", "Italian", "Engineer")
};
Classes for context:
interface IUser
{
string EMail { get; } // immutable, so get only an no set
string Language { get; }
}
public class DummyUser : IUser
{
public DummyUser(string email, string language)
{
m_email = email;
m_language = language;
}
private string m_email;
public string EMail
{
get { return m_email; }
}
private string m_language;
public string Language
{
get { return m_language; }
}
}
public class SmartyUser : IUser
{
public SmartyUser(string email, string language, string occupation)
{
m_email = email;
m_language = language;
m_occupation = occupation;
}
private string m_email;
public string EMail
{
get { return m_email; }
}
private string m_language;
public string Language
{
get { return m_language; }
}
private string m_occupation;
}
For the class below:
public class Page
{
private string data;
public Page()
{
}
public Page(string data)
{
this.Data = data;
}
public string Data
{
get
{
return this.data;
}
set
{
this.data = value;
}
}
}
you can initialize the array of above object as below.
Pages = new Page[] { new Page("a string") };
Hope this helps.
hi just to add another way:
from this page :
https://learn.microsoft.com/it-it/dotnet/api/system.linq.enumerable.range?view=netcore-3.1
you can use this form If you want to Generates a sequence of integral numbers within a specified range strat 0 to 9:
using System.Linq
.....
public int[] arrayName = Enumerable.Range(0, 9).ToArray();
You can also create dynamic arrays i.e. you can first ask the size of the array from the user before creating it.
Console.Write("Enter size of array");
int n = Convert.ToInt16(Console.ReadLine());
int[] dynamicSizedArray= new int[n]; // Here we have created an array of size n
Console.WriteLine("Input Elements");
for(int i=0;i<n;i++)
{
dynamicSizedArray[i] = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());
}
Console.WriteLine("Elements of array are :");
foreach (int i in dynamicSizedArray)
{
Console.WriteLine(i);
}
Console.ReadKey();
Trivial solution with expressions. Note that with NewArrayInit you can create just one-dimensional array.
NewArrayExpression expr = Expression.NewArrayInit(typeof(int), new[] { Expression.Constant(2), Expression.Constant(3) });
int[] array = Expression.Lambda<Func<int[]>>(expr).Compile()(); // compile and call callback
To initialize an empty array, it should be Array.Empty<T>() in dotnet 5.0
For string
var items = Array.Empty<string>();
For number
var items = Array.Empty<int>();
Another way is by calling a static function (for a static object) or any function for instance objects. This can be used for member initialisation.
Now I've not tested all of this so I'll put what I've tested (static member and static function)
Class x {
private static Option[] options = GetOptionList();
private static Option[] GetOptionList() {
return (someSourceOfData).Select(dataitem => new Option()
{field=dataitem.value,field2=dataitem.othervalue});
}
}
What I'd love to know is if there is a way to bypass the function declaration. I know in this example it could be used directly, but assume the function is a little more complex and can't be reduced to a single expression.
I imagine something like the following (but it doesn't work)
Class x {
private static Option[] options = () => {
Lots of prep stuff here that means we can not just use the next line
return (someSourceOfData).Select(dataitem => new Option()
{field=dataitem.value,field2=dataitem.othervalue});
}
}
Basically a way of just declaring the function for the scope of filling the variable.
I'd love it if someone can show me how to do that.
For multi-dimensional array in C# declaration & assign values.
public class Program
{
static void Main()
{
char[][] charArr = new char[][] { new char[] { 'a', 'b' }, new char[] { 'c', 'd' } };
int[][] intArr = new int[][] { new int[] { 1, 2 }, new int[] { 3, 4 } };
}
}
What are all the array initialization syntaxes that are possible with C#?
These are the current declaration and initialization methods for a simple array.
string[] array = new string[2]; // creates array of length 2, default values
string[] array = new string[] { "A", "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
string[] array = { "A" , "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
string[] array = new[] { "A", "B" }; // created populated array of length 2
Note that other techniques of obtaining arrays exist, such as the Linq ToArray() extensions on IEnumerable<T>.
Also note that in the declarations above, the first two could replace the string[] on the left with var (C# 3+), as the information on the right is enough to infer the proper type. The third line must be written as displayed, as array initialization syntax alone is not enough to satisfy the compiler's demands. The fourth could also use inference. So if you're into the whole brevity thing, the above could be written as
var array = new string[2]; // creates array of length 2, default values
var array = new string[] { "A", "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
string[] array = { "A" , "B" }; // creates populated array of length 2
var array = new[] { "A", "B" }; // created populated array of length 2
The array creation syntaxes in C# that are expressions are:
new int[3]
new int[3] { 10, 20, 30 }
new int[] { 10, 20, 30 }
new[] { 10, 20, 30 }
In the first one, the size may be any non-negative integral value and the array elements are initialized to the default values.
In the second one, the size must be a constant and the number of elements given must match. There must be an implicit conversion from the given elements to the given array element type.
In the third one, the elements must be implicitly convertible to the element type, and the size is determined from the number of elements given.
In the fourth one the type of the array element is inferred by computing the best type, if there is one, of all the given elements that have types. All the elements must be implicitly convertible to that type. The size is determined from the number of elements given. This syntax was introduced in C# 3.0.
There is also a syntax which may only be used in a declaration:
int[] x = { 10, 20, 30 };
The elements must be implicitly convertible to the element type. The size is determined from the number of elements given.
there isn't an all-in-one guide
I refer you to C# 4.0 specification, section 7.6.10.4 "Array Creation Expressions".
Non-empty arrays
var data0 = new int[3]
var data1 = new int[3] { 1, 2, 3 }
var data2 = new int[] { 1, 2, 3 }
var data3 = new[] { 1, 2, 3 }
var data4 = { 1, 2, 3 } is not compilable. Use int[] data5 = { 1, 2, 3 } instead.
Empty arrays
var data6 = new int[0]
var data7 = new int[] { }
var data8 = new [] { } and int[] data9 = new [] { } are not compilable.
var data10 = { } is not compilable. Use int[] data11 = { } instead.
As an argument of a method
Only expressions that can be assigned with the var keyword can be passed as arguments.
Foo(new int[2])
Foo(new int[2] { 1, 2 })
Foo(new int[] { 1, 2 })
Foo(new[] { 1, 2 })
Foo({ 1, 2 }) is not compilable
Foo(new int[0])
Foo(new int[] { })
Foo({}) is not compilable
Enumerable.Repeat(String.Empty, count).ToArray()
Will create array of empty strings repeated 'count' times. In case you want to initialize array with same yet special default element value. Careful with reference types, all elements will refer same object.
In case you want to initialize a fixed array of pre-initialized equal (non-null or other than default) elements, use this:
var array = Enumerable.Repeat(string.Empty, 37).ToArray();
Also please take part in this discussion.
var contacts = new[]
{
new
{
Name = " Eugene Zabokritski",
PhoneNumbers = new[] { "206-555-0108", "425-555-0001" }
},
new
{
Name = " Hanying Feng",
PhoneNumbers = new[] { "650-555-0199" }
}
};
Example to create an array of a custom class
Below is the class definition.
public class DummyUser
{
public string email { get; set; }
public string language { get; set; }
}
This is how you can initialize the array:
private DummyUser[] arrDummyUser = new DummyUser[]
{
new DummyUser{
email = "abc.xyz#email.com",
language = "English"
},
new DummyUser{
email = "def#email.com",
language = "Spanish"
}
};
Just a note
The following arrays:
string[] array = new string[2];
string[] array2 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
string[] array3 = { "A" , "B" };
string[] array4 = new[] { "A", "B" };
Will be compiled to:
string[] array = new string[2];
string[] array2 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
string[] array3 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
string[] array4 = new string[] { "A", "B" };
Repeat without LINQ:
float[] floats = System.Array.ConvertAll(new float[16], v => 1.0f);
int[] array = new int[4];
array[0] = 10;
array[1] = 20;
array[2] = 30;
or
string[] week = new string[] {"Sunday","Monday","Tuesday"};
or
string[] array = { "Sunday" , "Monday" };
and in multi dimensional array
Dim i, j As Integer
Dim strArr(1, 2) As String
strArr(0, 0) = "First (0,0)"
strArr(0, 1) = "Second (0,1)"
strArr(1, 0) = "Third (1,0)"
strArr(1, 1) = "Fourth (1,1)"
For Class initialization:
var page1 = new Class1();
var page2 = new Class2();
var pages = new UIViewController[] { page1, page2 };
Another way of creating and initializing an array of objects. This is similar to the example which #Amol has posted above, except this one uses constructors. A dash of polymorphism sprinkled in, I couldn't resist.
IUser[] userArray = new IUser[]
{
new DummyUser("abc#cde.edu", "Gibberish"),
new SmartyUser("pga#lna.it", "Italian", "Engineer")
};
Classes for context:
interface IUser
{
string EMail { get; } // immutable, so get only an no set
string Language { get; }
}
public class DummyUser : IUser
{
public DummyUser(string email, string language)
{
m_email = email;
m_language = language;
}
private string m_email;
public string EMail
{
get { return m_email; }
}
private string m_language;
public string Language
{
get { return m_language; }
}
}
public class SmartyUser : IUser
{
public SmartyUser(string email, string language, string occupation)
{
m_email = email;
m_language = language;
m_occupation = occupation;
}
private string m_email;
public string EMail
{
get { return m_email; }
}
private string m_language;
public string Language
{
get { return m_language; }
}
private string m_occupation;
}
For the class below:
public class Page
{
private string data;
public Page()
{
}
public Page(string data)
{
this.Data = data;
}
public string Data
{
get
{
return this.data;
}
set
{
this.data = value;
}
}
}
you can initialize the array of above object as below.
Pages = new Page[] { new Page("a string") };
Hope this helps.
hi just to add another way:
from this page :
https://learn.microsoft.com/it-it/dotnet/api/system.linq.enumerable.range?view=netcore-3.1
you can use this form If you want to Generates a sequence of integral numbers within a specified range strat 0 to 9:
using System.Linq
.....
public int[] arrayName = Enumerable.Range(0, 9).ToArray();
You can also create dynamic arrays i.e. you can first ask the size of the array from the user before creating it.
Console.Write("Enter size of array");
int n = Convert.ToInt16(Console.ReadLine());
int[] dynamicSizedArray= new int[n]; // Here we have created an array of size n
Console.WriteLine("Input Elements");
for(int i=0;i<n;i++)
{
dynamicSizedArray[i] = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine());
}
Console.WriteLine("Elements of array are :");
foreach (int i in dynamicSizedArray)
{
Console.WriteLine(i);
}
Console.ReadKey();
Trivial solution with expressions. Note that with NewArrayInit you can create just one-dimensional array.
NewArrayExpression expr = Expression.NewArrayInit(typeof(int), new[] { Expression.Constant(2), Expression.Constant(3) });
int[] array = Expression.Lambda<Func<int[]>>(expr).Compile()(); // compile and call callback
To initialize an empty array, it should be Array.Empty<T>() in dotnet 5.0
For string
var items = Array.Empty<string>();
For number
var items = Array.Empty<int>();
Another way is by calling a static function (for a static object) or any function for instance objects. This can be used for member initialisation.
Now I've not tested all of this so I'll put what I've tested (static member and static function)
Class x {
private static Option[] options = GetOptionList();
private static Option[] GetOptionList() {
return (someSourceOfData).Select(dataitem => new Option()
{field=dataitem.value,field2=dataitem.othervalue});
}
}
What I'd love to know is if there is a way to bypass the function declaration. I know in this example it could be used directly, but assume the function is a little more complex and can't be reduced to a single expression.
I imagine something like the following (but it doesn't work)
Class x {
private static Option[] options = () => {
Lots of prep stuff here that means we can not just use the next line
return (someSourceOfData).Select(dataitem => new Option()
{field=dataitem.value,field2=dataitem.othervalue});
}
}
Basically a way of just declaring the function for the scope of filling the variable.
I'd love it if someone can show me how to do that.
For multi-dimensional array in C# declaration & assign values.
public class Program
{
static void Main()
{
char[][] charArr = new char[][] { new char[] { 'a', 'b' }, new char[] { 'c', 'd' } };
int[][] intArr = new int[][] { new int[] { 1, 2 }, new int[] { 3, 4 } };
}
}