How do I access the running method's name?

Question

I'd like to write the name of the currently running method to a log. I know I can manually type the name of each method into the string being written to the log but I'd like something more automated and reusable. I assume this can be accomplished using reflection but I don't know where to start with this.

Any suggestions or code samples? Thanks!

Andrew · Accepted Answer · 2010-11-06 02:38:21Z

4

System.Reflection.MethodBase.GetCurrentMethod().Name should do the trick.

answered Nov 6, 2010 at 2:38

Andrew

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Zippit · Accepted Answer · 2010-11-06 02:32:08Z

2

Take a look at System.Diagnostics.StackTrace class

System.Diagnostics.StackTrace st = new System.Diagnostics.StackTrace();
string methodName = st.GetFrame(0).GetMethod().Name;

Keep in mind there is a performance cost here. You'll want to be careful using this in performance sensitive code.

answered Nov 6, 2010 at 2:32

Zippit

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nalply · Accepted Answer · 2013-06-26 11:17:16Z

2

What logging framework are you using?

In log4net use %method in the pattern layout

<layout type="log4net.Layout.PatternLayout">
    <conversionPattern value="%date [%thread] %-5level %logger [%ndc] - %message - Method:%method%newline"/>
</layout>

See: http://logging.apache.org/log4net/release/sdk/index.html

If you are using NLog 2.0 you can use ${callsite} in your layout. See: https://github.com/nlog/nlog/wiki/Callsite-Layout-Renderer

That way you do not even have to take care or the method name yourself. Let the logging framework do it for you. But be aware getting the Stackframe is slow.

edited Jun 26, 2013 at 11:17

nalply

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answered Nov 6, 2010 at 3:02

Remo Gloor

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3 Comments

DenaliHardtail Over a year ago

At this time, we're not using a logging framework. This is a very small project but I'm considering a FW for my next project.

Remo Gloor Over a year ago

In that case you have to go the new StackFrame(1, false).GetMethod() way. Assuming that you write a LogWithMethodName(string message) method for code reuse.

DenaliHardtail Over a year ago

Thanks for pointing that out for the group. I figured it out once I ran the code only to realize the method name returned was the method containing the stacktrace code above. Not very useful when trying to reuse a method throughout my project :-)

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