Mastering C# Helper Methods: Sort, Reverse, Clear, and Resize
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Helper Methods
This article focuses on utilizing various helper methods in C#, specifically those related to arrays, such as Sort, Reverse, Clear, and Resize.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how to implement Sort() and Reverse() methods.
- Gain insights into the Clear() and Resize() methods.
Prerequisites for Developers
- Basic familiarity with arrays.
- Knowledge of conditional statements.
- Experience in running C# code using Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code.
Getting Started with the Sort Helper Method
To arrange elements in an array in alphanumeric order, you can utilize the Sort() method from the Array class. Start by creating a static class named "ArrayHelperMethods.cs" within your console application and incorporate the code snippet provided below.
public static class ArrayHelperMethods
{
///
/// Outputs
/// Before Sorting...
/// B14, A11, B12, A13
/// After Sorting...
/// A11, A13, B12, B14
///
public static void SortExample()
{
Console.WriteLine("Before Sorting...");
string[] pallets = { "B14", "A11", "B12", "A13" };
Console.WriteLine(string.Join(",", pallets));
Array.Sort(pallets);
Console.WriteLine("After Sorting...");
Console.WriteLine(string.Join(",", pallets));}
}
To execute this code from the main method, use the following:
#region Day 11 - Helper Methods - Array
ArrayHelperMethods.SortExample();
#endregion
Console Output:
Before Sorting...
B14,A11,B12,A13
After Sorting...
A11,A13,B12,B14
Using the Reverse Helper Method
Next, let’s see how to use the Reverse() method from the Array class to invert the order of elements. Add the method shown below to the same static class.
///
/// Outputs
/// Before Sorting...
/// B14,A11,B12,A13
/// After Reverse Sorting...
/// A13,B12,A11,B14
///
public static void ReverseSortExample() {
Console.WriteLine("Before Sorting...");
string[] pallets = { "B14", "A11", "B12", "A13" };
Console.WriteLine(string.Join(",", pallets));
Array.Reverse(pallets);
Console.WriteLine("After Reverse Sorting...");
Console.WriteLine(string.Join(",", pallets));
}
To run this method from the main function, use:
#region Day 11 - Helper Methods - Array
ArrayHelperMethods.ReverseSortExample();
#endregion
Console Output:
Before Sorting...
B14,A11,B12,A13
After Reverse Sorting...
A13,B12,A11,B14
Employing the Clear Helper Method
The Array.Clear() method is useful for clearing the values of specified elements in an array. Incorporate the following method into your static class.
///
/// Outputs
/// Clearing 2 ... count: 4
/// ,,B12,A13
///
public static void ClearExample()
{
string[] pallets = { "B14", "A11", "B12", "A13" };
Console.WriteLine("");
Array.Clear(pallets, 0, 2);
Console.WriteLine($"Clearing 2 ... count: {pallets.Length}");
Console.WriteLine(string.Join(",", pallets));
}
To call this method from the main function, use:
#region Day 11 - Helper Methods - Array
ArrayHelperMethods.ClearExample();
#endregion
Console Output:
Clearing 2 ... count: 4
,,B12,A13
Utilizing the Resize Helper Method
In this example, we will increase the array size from 4 to 6 and then add two new elements at indexes 4 and 5. The newly added items will be null until assigned values.
///
/// Outputs
/// B14,A11,B12,A13
/// Resizing 6 ... count: 6
/// B14,A11,B12,A13,C01,C02
///
public static void ResizeAndAdd() {
string[] pallets = { "B14", "A11", "B12", "A13" };
Console.WriteLine(string.Join(",", pallets));
Array.Resize(ref pallets, 6);
Console.WriteLine($"Resizing 6 ... count: {pallets.Length}");
pallets[4] = "C01";
pallets[5] = "C02";
Console.WriteLine(string.Join(",", pallets));
}
To execute this method from the main method, write:
#region Day 11 - Helper Methods - Array
ArrayHelperMethods.ResizeAndAdd();
#endregion
Console Output:
B14,A11,B12,A13
Resizing 6 ... count: 6
B14,A11,B12,A13,C01,C02
Complete Code on GitHub
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Chapter 2: Video Tutorial
To further enhance your understanding, check out this video tutorial that covers pattern printing programs in C++.