StackFrame.GetMethod().Name

Question

I'm using this helper to resolve the name of the method that is currently being executed for logging purposes.

    [MethodImpl(MethodImplOptions.NoInlining)]
    public static string GetCurrentMethod()
    {
        StackTrace st = new StackTrace();
        StackFrame sf = st.GetFrame(1);

        return sf.GetMethod().Name;
    }

This is the string that is returned <Frequency>b__46

" What does the b__46 mean? And is there a way to just retrieve the word "Frequency?"

This is calling the helper.

    return ProxyCallWrapper.Execute<bool, IBackendJob>((backend, header) =>
    {
        header.CorrelationID = CorrelationID;
        logger.LogInfo(string.Format("### BSL CALL from {0} by {1} : CorrelationID: {2}", this.ToString(), GetCurrentMethod() ,header.CorrelationID));
        return backend.AddJob(header, jobId);
    });

I have edited your title. Please see, "[Should questions include “tags” in their titles?](http://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/19190/)", where the consensus is "no, they should not". — John Saunders, Feb 04 '14 at 22:23
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh534540.aspx http://blog.slaks.net/2012/03/exploring-caller-info-attributes.html — SLaks, Feb 04 '14 at 22:23

TypeIA · Accepted Answer · 2014-02-04T22:33:59.750

4

The method is probably being called from a lambda expression. The C# compiler actually converts lambdas to hidden methods inside your class. These methods have special compiler-generated names, like the <Frequency>b__46 you're seeing. I think you'll find if you look at GetFrame(2) you'll see the name you expect. Your function could ignore lambdas by looping up the stack until it finds a valid method name (you can check the method descriptor's IsSpecialName property for that).

The compiler also generates hidden methods with special names for auto property getters and setters, event add/remove handlers, and some other cases (you won't encounter these since these auto-generated methods can't call your GetCurrentMethod()). But note also that manual property getters and setters have "special" names like get_PropertyName(), and you may see those if you have a property whose code calls GetCurrentMethod().

edited Feb 04 '14 at 22:33

answered Feb 04 '14 at 22:28

TypeIA

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I edited my question to include the code that calls the helper. It is a lambda statement. I will try GetFrame(2) and tell you what I find. A brief explanation of what the numbers inside of GetFrame() would be appreciated. – g5insider Feb 04 '14 at 22:30
@g5insider The argument to `GetFrame()` is just the index of the frame you want. A value of 1 means you're getting the caller's stack frame; 2 means you're getting the caller's caller's frame, and so on, all the way back to `main()` (or the thread / managed entry point). – TypeIA Feb 04 '14 at 22:32
@g5insider Because you're passing the lambda to `ProxyCallWrapper.Execute()`. This is the nature of lambda expressions; they aren't invoked immediately, they're just objects. Your code's calling `Execute()` which is calling your lambda which is calling `GetCurrentMethod()`. – TypeIA Feb 04 '14 at 22:38
Let my try GetFrame(3) – g5insider Feb 04 '14 at 22:40
GetFrame(3) is what I'm looking for. I will have to unit test this but I think it will do. – g5insider Feb 04 '14 at 22:43
1

GetFrame(3) will only work in the specific scenario in your question. Do you understand that? – Blorgbeard Feb 05 '14 at 00:33
I've just manually added the names instead of using this method of retrieving it from the stack trace. GetFrame(3) as @Biorgbeard stated will only work in some cases and not all. I appreciate the help from everyone. Thanks! – g5insider Feb 12 '14 at 14:56

score -1 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 04 '14 at 22:24

-1

<Frequency>b__46 is the name of the method that called GetCurrentMethod().

Since you are calling the method from a lambda, you have to accept that the name of the lambda is beyond your control.

answered Feb 04 '14 at 22:24

David Heffernan

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Surely OP wants the name of the method that called in.. otherwise he could just `return "GetCurrentMethod";` – Blorgbeard Feb 04 '14 at 22:25
Not now that you've deleted the suggestion that he wanted `GetFrame(0)`, no. – Blorgbeard Feb 04 '14 at 22:27
trying GetFrame(0) now – g5insider Feb 04 '14 at 22:38
@g5insider No, don't do that – David Heffernan Feb 04 '14 at 22:38
GetFrame(0) returns "GetCurrentMethod" the helper method name. – g5insider Feb 04 '14 at 22:39
Indeed it does. Perhaps it would help if you explained what you are trying to achieve. – David Heffernan Feb 04 '14 at 22:40

StackFrame.GetMethod().Name

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