Category: C# Blogs

Using the as keyword versus boxing in C#

Benjamin Perkins C#

When I convert one object to another using the keyword “as” and the original value is not of that type, the converted value simply becomes NULL. For example, if theItem is of type MessageBox, then row will be NULL. DataRowView row = theItem as DataRowView; However, when using this code, I.e. boxing. DataRowView row = […]

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Searching a generic List collection using C#

Before you begin loading and populating collections, you should decide which collection to use based on the requirements. Some collections are built for speed when selecting, some are built for speed when loading, other for sorting, etc. A good description can be found here. This example I will search a strongly typed List for a […]

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Base Class Library (BCL)

Benjamin Perkins C#

The .NET framework provides a set of base class libraries which provide functions and features which can be used with any programming language which implements .NET, such as Visual Basic, C# (or course), Visual C++, etc. The base class library contains standard programming features such as Collections, XML, DataType definitions, IO ( for reading and […]

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Create a Random or Sequential GUID using ASP.NET and C#

Benjamin Perkins C#

The 2 controls above create either a GUID or a Sequential GUID. Generate a Radom GUID online or a Generate a Sequential GUID online using the above control. There is nothing too complicated about creating a random GUID. Using the below C# code provides a unique value. string uniqueRandomKey = Guid.NewGuid().ToString(); I like to use […]

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Capture textbox enter key event using C#

The other day I needed to implement a search function in a WPF program. I wanted the use to be able to enter the criteria and then the enter key to perform the search. I achieved this by adding a KeyDown event to the text box control in the XAML. KeyDown=”textBox1_KeyDown” And adding the below […]

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Different return type from a method of a derived class

Benjamin Perkins C#

In .NET Framework 4, C# supports covariance and contravariance in generic interfaces and delegates. However, if you try to implement either in a class, you will receive an exception. Trying to implement covariance in a return type or overriding a method and attempting to return a different type will not work. Let’s discuss below. public […]

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