How can I cast an object using a known Type object?

Question

I have a Type variable and I need to cast another object to it. (one which I know what the type is, but currently its an "object" type). I need to do this for reasons that aren't really important to the answer.

// Pseudocode
MyObjectClass myTypedVar = new MyObjectClass();

Type myKnownType = myTypedVar.GetType();

var anotherObject = (myKnownType) anObjectVarThatIsReallyMyObjectClass;

I've read this page Type Casting an Object using a "Type" Object in C# and I understand but I don't think it applies directly. I anticipate a solution using reflection, but I just haven't been able to figure it out myself.

" need to do this for reasons that aren't really important to the answer" Sure that´s important. In particular it is important to know what you want to do with the object once casted. — MakePeaceGreatAgain, Jun 14 '18 at 14:44

mm8 · Accepted Answer · 2018-06-14T14:45:57.853

If I understand you correctly, you could use the Convert.ChangeType method:

var anotherObject = Convert.ChangeType(anObjectVarThatIsReallyMyObjectClass, myKnownType);

You won't get any kind of compile-time checking when using a dynamic type like this though. Please refer to the following blog post for more information about this.

Generic type parameters and dynamic types in C#: https://blog.magnusmontin.net/2014/10/31/generic-type-parameters-and-dynamic-types-in-csharp/

How can I cast an object using a known Type object?

1 Answers1