PHP var_dump in C# to dump array or objects?

Question

I need to dump the content of arrays or objects and I am interested to know if in C# we have something like PHP instruction var_dump.

The objective is to not build a loop to use every property or content of array or object and print with Console.WriteLine.

You don't want to use the built-in inspection tools in visual studio? like quickwatch? — scheien, May 23 '14 at 09:34
You could serialize it to JSON string with `JsonConvert.SerializeObject(myVar)` — Mladen B., Mar 26 '19 at 08:10
In Visual Studio, use the [Immediate Window](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/ide/reference/immediate-window?view=vs-2022) and type e.g. `?User.Claims` to print the result. Do not confuse `?` with the ternary operator - this is a *command* supported by the Immediate Window, which will print things like `IEnumerable` in full detail. — mindplay.dk, Jul 12 '22 at 12:04

score 17 · Accepted Answer · edited Mar 16 '18 at 09:58

The closest thing would probably be string.Join:

Console.WriteLine(string.Join(", ", myEnumOfObjects));

It would not automatically include "every property or content of array or object" into the output, though - if you want that to happen, you need to override the ToString method of the object being printed:

class MyObject {
    public string Name {get;set;}
    public DateTime Dob {get;set;}
    public override string ToString() {
        return string.Format("{0} - {1}", Name, Dob);
    }
}

score 3 · Answer 2 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:06

3

When you insert a break point you can easily view the contents of an array by hovering your mouse over it.

or any of these:

You are probably using Console.WriteLine for printing the array.

int[] array = new int[] { 1, 2, 3 };
foreach(var item in array)
{
    Console.WriteLine(item.ToString());
}

If you don't want to have every item on a separate line use Console.Write:

int[] array = new int[] { 1, 2, 3 };
foreach(var item in array)
{
    Console.Write(item.ToString());
}

or string.Join (in .NET Framework 4 or later):

int[] array = new int[] { 1, 2, 3 };
Console.WriteLine(string.Join(",", array));

from this question: How to print contents of array horizontally?

edited May 23 '17 at 12:06

Community

1
1

answered May 23 '14 at 08:57

Stijn Bernards

1,091
11
29

the idea is not to use loops just one instruction and print it in console directly – Dave May 23 '14 at 09:00
@David Look at the last one. – Stijn Bernards May 23 '14 at 09:00
I didnt see it true, my idea i need to see Keys and values inserted inside SESSION – Dave May 23 '14 at 09:01
@David I think you should just use a forloop. Why don't you want to? – Stijn Bernards May 23 '14 at 09:05
because I want it as a simple line like var_dump , Console.WriteLine(string.Join(",", array));, is good for me – Dave May 23 '14 at 21:37

score 3 · Answer 3 · answered May 23 '14 at 09:07

I think there aren't direct equivalent of var_dump php function.

You must use reflection to write an equivalent function.

If you search in web, you can easily find code which do it.

For example : http://ruuddottech.blogspot.fr/2009/07/php-vardump-method-for-c.html

score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Nov 26 '14 at 15:33

1

I know you want to avoid loop, but if its just for the sake of writing multiple lines of code, below is a one liner loop that could allow you to print data with single line for Objects extend ForEach Method

List<string> strings=new List<string>{"a","b","c"};//declare one

strings.ForEach(x => Console.WriteLine(x));//single line loop...for printing and is easier to write

answered Nov 26 '14 at 15:33

Ronak Agrawal

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1
19
48

var_dump can print any value of one object ... classes, integers, any .... simply with vardump(object_variable), the idea is not to make a loop – Dave Mar 27 '19 at 08:08

PHP var_dump in C# to dump array or objects?

4 Answers4