Convert array, `string`

A string array can be converted into a string. We can store many values in a single string. There are several ways of combining the array of strings.

Methods used

We consider conversion methods: one way uses the string.Join method—this is probably the simplest. Other ways use iteration in a loop.

`Join` example

This version uses the string.Join method to convert the array to a string. This can be faster than StringBuilder. It is shorter code.

Part 1 We create an array with 3 elements—each element is a string specified as a string literal.

Part 2 We invoke the string.Join method. Then we print the resulting string, which has period delimiters.

using System;

// Part 1: create an array.
string[] array = new string[3];
array[0] = "orange";
array[1] = "peach";
array[2] = "apple";

// Part 2: call string.Join.
string result = string.Join(".", array);
Console.WriteLine($"RESULT: {result}");
RESULT: orange.peach.apple

`StringBuilder`

This code uses a StringBuilder instance to convert the array to a string. This technique is ideal when we need to loop over a string array before adding the elements.

Info We can test each individual string in the for-loop—the loop is a good place to add some logic if needed.

Warning This code will add a delimiter at the end. The code could be modified to avoid adding the final delimiter.

using System;
using System.Text;

// Create an array.
string[] array = new string[] { "cat", "frog", "bird" };

// Concatenate all the elements into a StringBuilder.
StringBuilder builder = new StringBuilder();
foreach (string value in array)
{
    builder.Append(value);
    builder.Append('.');
}
string result = builder.ToString();
Console.WriteLine($"RESULT: {result}");
RESULT: cat.frog.bird.

Notes, method usage

If string.Join fits our requirements, it is the best choice. But if we have more complex needs, using StringBuilder may be better, as it gives us more control.

A summary

We converted string arrays into strings. We can use StringBuilder or the string.Join method. We noted many other common tasks and solutions with converting strings.

Convert array, string