Dynamically create a object array in C#

Question

I need to add the parameters and the values to the following object dynamically. So far, I do it statically (hardcoded) by creating the object as follows:

object parameters = new { Param1 = UserNumber, Param2 = "201403", Param3 = true };

Then in the function, pass it as:

Helper.create(parameters);

^This works.

But, sometimes I just need to pass just one, none, or more than those three. The amount can change dynamically and not necessarily be named the same or it can be in a different order. So, I can't leave the name of the variables Param1, Param2 and Param3 statically. I also, don't control the behavior for the 'create()' function.

I tried this (and more):

List<Tuple<object, object>> tupleList = new List<Tuple<object, object>>();

tupleList.Add(new Tuple<object, object>("Number", UserNumber));
tupleList.Add(new Tuple<object, object>("Start", 201403));
tupleList.Add(new Tuple<object, object>("Show", true));

object tuptest = tupleList.Cast<object>().ToArray();

But it creates it as one array with objects inside. When you go step by step in the debugging, they show up differently than what I need.

The Documentation example is:

Helper.create( new { Parameter1 = "Text", Parameter2 = 1000 } );

How can I create this dynamically?

do you have control over the create method? if so, maybe pass a dictionary in stead. — Lorentz Vedeler
– Lorentz Vedeler, Commented Apr 28, 2015 at 14:09
This question is very unclear. Please try to edit it so that someone other then yourself can understand it — Zohar Peled
– Zohar Peled, Commented Apr 28, 2015 at 14:10

aevitas · Accepted Answer · 2015-04-28 14:10:57Z

2

Declare the method's signature using params object[] args, or a more specific type. This will allow you to pass any (or none) amount of parameters to the method, which you can then iterate inside the method.

E.g.:

public void Foo(params Tuple<object, object>[] args)

var a = new Tuple<object, object>("Number", UserNumber);
var b = tupleList.Add(new Tuple<object, object>("Start", 201403));
var c = tupleList.Add(new Tuple<object, object>("Show", true));

You'd then call it using Foo(a, b, c);

answered Apr 28, 2015 at 14:10

aevitas

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Comments

Matias Cicero · Accepted Answer · 2015-04-28 14:15:27Z

1

Why not creating a whole new specific type?

public class UserParameters {
     public UserNumber Number { get; set; }
     public string Start { get; set; }
     public bool Show { get; set; }
}

This way, you have compile-time errors if you mistype anything, and also compile-time type checking. You don't have to cast your generic object arguments to any type, which was very error-prone.

Also, you can dynamically add or remove properties, so in a way you are adding or removing parameters.

The create method can accept this object, and you would call it like this:

parent.create(new UserParameters() {
     Number = Session.UserNumber,
     Start = "201403",
     Show = true
});

Any property that is null is a parameter you didn't pass or defined.

answered Apr 28, 2015 at 14:15

Matias Cicero

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1 Comment

elcool Over a year ago

This won't work. I don't know the parameter names or types before hand.

Abdul Rehman Sayed · Accepted Answer · 2015-04-28 14:21:44Z

1

You can create an ExpandoObject & pass it to create

var x = new ExpandoObject() as IDictionary<string, Object>;
            x.Add("Number", "UserNumber");
            x.Add("Start", 201403);
            x.Add("Show", true);
            Create(x);

answered Apr 28, 2015 at 14:21

Abdul Rehman Sayed

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1 Comment

elcool Over a year ago

This is going in the right direction. I now have 3 objects in an array. But it creates a different type of object. I added x = x.Cast<object>().ToArray(); but still I got 3 items. Seems it is looking for just one line in the array.

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