Convert a string[] to its associated array of enums

Question

I have a string array which its items are string equivalent of an enum items:

enum MyEnum
{
    item1,
    item2,
    item3,
    ...
}

string[] strArray = {"item2", "item3"};

How to convert strArray from string[] to MyEnum[] by linq?

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 17 '14 at 12:12

4

MyEnum[] enumArray = strArray.Select(s => Enum.Parse(typeof(MyEnum), s))
                             .Cast<MyEnum>()
                             .ToArray();

Alternatively, if those strings come from user input, you may want to use Enum.TryParse instead.

answered Nov 17 '14 at 12:12

dcastro

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@KonradKokosa correct, fixed :) – dcastro Nov 17 '14 at 12:13
I think you can move the cast, and just do: `strArray.Select(s => (MyEnum) Enum.Parse(typeof(MyEnum), s)).ToArray();` (just as an alternative syntax). – Matthew Watson Nov 17 '14 at 12:22
@MatthewWatson Yup, I prefer calling `Cast` myself, it leverages the clarity and readability of functional programming. – dcastro Nov 17 '14 at 12:24

WestDiscGolf · Answer 2 · 2014-11-17T12:20:34.327

1

        string[] strArray = { "item2", "item3" };

        MyEnum[] results = (from item in strArray
            let parsed = (MyEnum) Enum.Parse(typeof (MyEnum), item)
            select parsed).ToArray();

You can also skip the parsed sub step line completely ...

        MyEnum[] results2 = (from item in strArray
            select (MyEnum) Enum.Parse(typeof (MyEnum), item)).ToArray();

edited Nov 17 '14 at 12:20

answered Nov 17 '14 at 12:14

WestDiscGolf

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1

You are creating an `object[]`, not a `MyEnum[]` as desired. – Tim Schmelter Nov 17 '14 at 12:16
Answer updated; missed a cast on the return of the Enum.Parse – WestDiscGolf Nov 17 '14 at 12:20
Yes, or `.Cast()` before `ToArray` (as shown in dcastro's answer). – Tim Schmelter Nov 17 '14 at 12:23
Indeed. Both are acceptable, it just comes down to personal preference on clarity or code base coding standards/guidelines which are being followed :-) – WestDiscGolf Nov 17 '14 at 12:27

Convert a string[] to its associated array of enums

2 Answers2