`ToCharArray`

This converts a VB.NET String to a Char array. It returns a Char array with a number of elements equal to the Length of the String.

With this Char array, we can change the String data efficiently, without copying it. It is possible to convert the char array back into a String as well.

First, this program declares and assigns a string that points to the literal "abcd". Then the ToCharArray function is called on the String variable.

Finally The For-Each loop enumerates all the characters in the array. We print each element to the console.

Note You can see that the character array contains the same characters as the original string.

Module Module1
    Sub Main()
        ' String input value.
        Dim value As String = "abcd"

        ' Call ToCharArray function.
        Dim array() As Char = value.ToCharArray

        ' Loop over Char array.
        For Each element As Char In array
            Console.WriteLine(element)
        Next
    End Sub
End Modulea
b
c
d

A discussion

Char arrays are mutable and String instances are not. This means we can modify individual characters without changing the rest of the string. This can improve performance.

Note You can change the individual characters in a Char array without copying the entire set of characters again.

A summary

ToCharArray converts strings to their equivalent Char arrays. You cannot cast the String to a Char array. You must convert it—the best way is usually with ToCharArray.