c# Converting from string to special type - "an explicit conversion exists"

Question

Outputs.RunParams.RunAlgorithm = Convert.ChangeType(AlgString,typeof(RunAlgorithmConstants));

I'm trying to set a Run Parameter for a program to a specific value, but the AlgString is a string and I need it to be of the type RunAlgorithmConstants. AlgString being a string is a result of converting from type RunAlgorithmConstants to string directly in a previous script, saving it to a text file, reading from that text file, and setting the text to AlgString.

When I run this code I get this error:

Cannot implicitly convert type 'object' to 'RunAlgorithmConstants'. An explicit conversion exists (are you missing a cast?)

The namespace is fine. I could write

if (AlgString.Equals("Example1"))
{
Outputs.RunParams.RunAlgorithm = RunAlgorithmConstants.Example1
}

for every possible value that RunAlgorithmConstants could be but I was wondering if there is an easier way.

Edit:

int LineNumber = Inputs.LineNumber;


var lines = File.ReadAllLines(Inputs.LoadLocation);


string line = lines[LineNumber];


{char[] delimiterChars = {','};


  string[] words = line.Split(delimiterChars);
  words[30] = AlgString

Your error message says an explicit conversion exists, have you tried explicitly casting it? — Gbps
– Gbps, Commented Jun 16, 2015 at 20:45
Also: RunAlgorithmConstants is a type defined under the program in the namespace — user4916753
– user4916753, Commented Jun 16, 2015 at 20:46
What the hell is in AlgString? "Two slices of bolognia and a slice of cheese please"? Why should a string be converted magically into a RunAlgorithmConstants? — user1228
– user1228, Commented Jun 16, 2015 at 20:50
Just tried explicitly casting it, gave me an Error saying it cannot convert string to RunAlgorithmConstants. — user4916753
– user4916753, Commented Jun 16, 2015 at 20:51
AlgString is a direct conversion from a RunAlgorithmConstants value to string so that it could be saved in a text file for records. Now, I'm loading lines from that text file so I can use it as input for my program to replicate the conditions that the program was previously in. — user4916753
– user4916753, Commented Jun 16, 2015 at 20:54

Aaron D · Accepted Answer · 2015-06-16 21:06:29Z

1

Enum.Parse is what you are looking for:

Outputs.RunParams.RunAlgorithm = (RunAlgorithmConstants) Enum.Parse(typeof(RunAlgorithmConstants), AlgString);

edited Jun 16, 2015 at 21:06

answered Jun 16, 2015 at 20:50

Aaron D

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3 Comments

user4916753 Over a year ago

It's giving me the same error as before. I appreciate the help though.

Aaron D Over a year ago

Is the type of your Outputs.RunParams.RunAlgorithm an object? It would be useful for you to show the declarations of AlgString and your enum and probably RunAlgorithm.

user4916753 Over a year ago

Edited in above The enumeration is built into the program I am using.

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