Most elegant way to check to see if a NameValueCollection has value

Question

I have a simple line of code: lead.InternalCompany = nvCollection["ic"];

I want to set lead.InternalCompany to the value retrieved, but if nothing is there to a blank string ""

I've tried to use nvCollection["ic"].HasValue();

I know I could do something simple like this

string value = nvCollection["ic"];
if (value == null) // key doesn't exist
    {
        lead.InternalCompany = "";
    }

I'd ideally like a ternary if statement to accomplish this

Its better to use `String.NullorEmpty(string)` instead of `value == null` — Shaharyar, Aug 22 '13 at 14:56
@Shaharyar: That would depend on your implementation details. As far as we know, an empty string is a perfectly valid value. (and in Jon Harding's case, it's redundant as he wants to default to empty anyway) — Chris Sinclair, Aug 22 '13 at 14:59

Sam Leach · Accepted Answer · 2013-08-22T15:00:17.783

8

Use the null-coalescing operator

The ?? operator is called the null-coalescing operator and is used to define a default value for nullable value types or reference types. It returns the left-hand operand if the operand is not null; otherwise it returns the right operand.

lead.InternalCompany = nvCollection["ic"] ?? string.Empty;

edited Aug 22 '13 at 15:00

answered Aug 22 '13 at 14:54

Sam Leach

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I would suggest using string.Empty rather than ""; – Liath Aug 22 '13 at 14:57
[There is no difference between `String.Empty` and `""`](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/151472/what-is-the-difference-between-string-empty-and-empty-string). – CodeCaster Aug 22 '13 at 15:11
2

`string.Empty` is clearer to read and avoids accidentally typing some random stuff in between the two `"`s – Sam Leach Aug 22 '13 at 15:14
1

Regarding `String.Empty` vs `""`: [join the debate](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/263191/in-c-should-i-use-string-empty-or-string-empty-or) – Chris Sinclair Aug 22 '13 at 15:20
1

const string A_VERY_EMPTY_STRING = ""; – Sam Leach Aug 22 '13 at 15:23

Most elegant way to check to see if a NameValueCollection has value

1 Answers1