Using array with unkown number of items

Question

User69570187 posted

Hi Everyone,

I'm trying switch from using arraylist to arrays. Seams like arrays are not as easy to use when you don't know the size of the array.

Is it possible to use an array without having to specify the size of the array like in this example?

Thanks in advance.

 

 dr = cmd.ExecuteReader

                    Dim counter As Integer = 0
                    Dim myarray() As String
                    While dr.Read()
                        myarray(counter) = dr("FirstName").ToString
                        counter += 1
                    End While

                    Return myarray

Answer 1

User-1618234021 posted
Hi, normal arrays must have a size to use them. Maximum, you can always re-create a bigger array when required, and copy existing entries in it. But this will be inefficient and over head. So I would suggest to stick to collection classes like ArrayList. If you have a specific requirement to use arrays, then please share it with us.

Answer 2

User312496708 posted

Why not use a list instead of array where you dont have to specify any size and keep adding and retriving stuff easily.

Answer 3

User69570187 posted

Thanks, I'll give the list a try.