TryParse in C#: Full Guide
Have you ever wanted to master the TryParse method in C#? You’re in the right place; let’s dive deep into the world of C# parsing.
Understanding TryParse
It turns potential disasters into harmless little mistakes. But what does TryParse
do in C# exactly? Let’s see!
TryParse
tries to convert a string into a specific data type. Instead of throwing an error when you hand it a strange input (like trying to convert “banana” into a number), it simply says, “Hey, I couldn’t do that!”, providing a false
Boolean result and leaving you unharmed. Great, isn’t it?
int result;
bool success = int.TryParse("123", out result); // success = True, result = 123
success = int.TryParse("banana", out result); // success = False, result = 0
In this code snippet, we’re politely asking TryParse
to convert the strings “123” and “banana” into integers. And as you already guessed, the first attempt works like a charm, but the second attempt flops—because, well, a banana is still a banana and not the number.
C# TryParse Overview
There’s so much more to TryParse
than meets the eye. Deep breath; we’re venturing into the exciting realm of parsing various data types! We’ll even venture into the lesser-known territories like decimals, hexes, and enums.
Working with Various Data Types
“But wait,” I hear you ask, “what data types can I TryParse
?” Well, brace yourself for some good news! It handles quite a few. Let’s get our hands dirty with some examples.
C# int TryParse
To start with an obvious one, TryParse
can translate strings into good old integers. Here, look at this:
int number;
bool success = int.TryParse("456", out number); // success = True, number = 456
success = int.TryParse("apple", out number); // success = False, number = 0
As we can see, parsing “456” to an integer is a breeze for TryParse
. However, it rightly chokes up on parsing an “apple” into an integer. It’s an apple after all!
C# Integer TryParse
Wondering what’s the difference between int
and Integer
in C#? Technically, nothing! int
is basically an alias for System.Int32
. So, Integer.TryParse
doesn’t exist in C#. When working with integers, stick to int.TryParse
. Crisis averted!
C# DateTime TryParse
What about dates and times? Can TryParse
handle them? You bet! Let’s see what happens when we try to parse string as DateTime.
DateTime date;
bool success = DateTime.TryParse("2021-07-22T18:00", out date); // success = True, date = 22/07/2021 18:00:00
success = DateTime.TryParse("22nd July 2035", out date); // success = False, date = 01/01/0001 00:00:00
In the first attempt, the appropriately formatted date and time are successfully parsed. But the second attempt? Nope! The formatting here could be ambiguous to TryParse
.
C# Enum TryParse
Put your glasses on, folks! Now we’re going into some deep TryParse
territory: Enums. Yes, you heard right. Enums!
enum Colors { Red, Green, Blue }
Colors color;
bool success = Enum.TryParse("Green", out color); // success = True, color = Green
success = Enum.TryParse("Orange", out color); // success = False, color = Red
bool caseSensitive = Enum.TryParse("green", true, out color); // success = False, color = Green
As you see in our code snippet, parsing “Green” delivers a success. But when we try “Orange”, TryParse
draws a blank. And it adheres to case sensitivity too!
C# Double TryParse
Who doesn’t enjoy the precious precision of doubles? Here’s how TryParse
lets us play around with these delicate data types.
double number;
bool success = double.TryParse("2.71828", out number); // success = True, number = 2.71828
Float.TryParse C# Example
Floats are just like doubles, except we can’t shove in more decimal points. Let’s see how TryParse
handles this.
float number;
bool success = float.TryParse("3.14", out number); // success = True, number = 3.14
It performs the conversion effortlessly.
C# TryParse Boolean
Time for some truth! Or falsehood. Let’s see how TryParse
parses Booleans.
bool flag;
bool success = bool.TryParse("TRUE", out flag); // success = True, flag = True
Challenge triumphantly passed! It triumphantly parses the string into our Boolean variable.
Advanced TryParse Techniques
You know how superheroes have their secret weapons? For TryParse
, those are hexes, decimals, and strings. Want to see how? Fasten your seatbelts!
C# TryParse Hex
Hexadecimal values are everywhere around us. And TryParse
is all ready to take them on. Wait and watch!
int hexNumber;
bool success = int.TryParse("A", System.Globalization.NumberStyles.HexNumber, null, out hexNumber); // success = True, hexNumber = 10
success = int.TryParse("B", System.Globalization.NumberStyles.HexNumber, null, out hexNumber); // success = True, hexNumber = 11
success = int.TryParse("Z", System.Globalization.NumberStyles.HexNumber, null, out hexNumber); // success = False, hexNumber = 0
In this code snippet, “A” and “B” are parsed into 10 and 11 respectively, but “Z” returns false. There’s simply no numerical equivalent for a “Z” in the hexadecimal system.
C# Decimal TryParse
Decimals, owing to their scope for precision, are the darlings of division-heavy calculations. For example, calculating the batting average in Cricket or figuring out the fuel efficiency of your car call for decimals. And, TryParse
openly welcomes them.
decimal number;
bool success = decimal.TryParse("3.14159265359", out number); // success = True, number = 3.14159265359
success = decimal.TryParse("-7.389056099", out number); // success = True, number = -7.389056099
success = decimal.TryParse("_9.87", out number); // success = False, number = 0
Here, TryParse
handles both instances like a boss. It converts both the string “3.14159265359”, the value of Pi up to eleven decimal places, and “-7.389056099”, which could be a obtained result in some high-math function, into decimal values. But, when it encounters “_9.87”, it fails and returns zero, indicating unsuccessful parsing.
C# TryParse String
Converting a string to a name? A mixed type perhaps? Let’s try to parse some complex types.
int stringValue;
bool success = int.TryParse("123HappyCoding", out stringValue); // success = False, stringValue = 0
success = int.TryParse("567", out stringValue); // success = True, stringValue = 567
In this case, TryParse
tries to parse “123HappyCoding” to an integer, but fails. Because the string has non-numeric characters. Then, it parses “567”, a string consisting of numeric characters, perfectly into an integer.
Conclusion of TryParse
So there we have it, folks—a whirlwind tour of TryParse
in C#. From integers and floats to hexes and enums, we’ve seen it all. TryParse
really shines in saving us from the dreaded FormatException
and letting us deal with the unexpected in style.
C# TryParse
offers us a protective shield that makes code robust, adaptable, and error-resistant. Don’t just take my word for it; give it a shot! Unleash the power of TryParse
and watch as your code turns into a fortress that’s impervious to all kinds of exceptions.
Keep exploring and enjoying the magic of C#. Until next time, happy coding!
Top comments (1)
Hi ByteHide,
Top, very nice !
Thanks for sharing