How can I extend the length of an array by 1 in C#?

Question

I want an array capacity to increase as I add items in order to add as many items to it as possible. Is there a way to do this in C#?

Check out [`List()`](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.collections.generic.list-1?view=netframework-4.8)s. — Jesse, Jan 28 '20 at 16:47

score 7 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 28 '20 at 16:48

7

In C#, arrays are fixed lenght. The only way would be to create a new array, copy the contents and add the data.

Or just use List<T> or any other self-growing collection instead. They deal with exactly that part of the plumbing.

answered Jan 28 '20 at 16:48

Christopher

Couldn't hey us an ArrayList as well? That way they could consistently change the capacity of the collection? – olminkow Jan 28 '20 at 17:03
1

@RookTKO Yes and No. ArrayList is the pre-generics List. All that pre-generic stuff should be quietly burried and forgotten. If you want to get rid of type safety, you can always use `List – Christopher Jan 28 '20 at 18:48

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 28 '20 at 16:47

1

Is this what you're after?

Array.Resize(ref YourArray, i + 1);

answered Jan 28 '20 at 16:47

Ryan Thomas

2

Maybe, but this actually allocates a new array; that should be made clear in your answer. – Johnathan Barclay Jan 28 '20 at 16:48
@JohnathanBarclay Do you have a solution that _doesn't_? – D Stanley Jan 28 '20 at 16:52
1

@DStanley No, where did I imply that I did? Someone may see this and think an existing array is being resized; it isn't. I'm not suggesting it won't be satisfactory for the OP. – Johnathan Barclay Jan 28 '20 at 16:54

2 Answers2