Convert Dictionary.keyscollection to array of strings

Question

I have a Dictionary<string, List<Order>> and I want to have the list of keys in an array. But when I choose

string[] keys = dictionary.Keys; 

This doesn't compile.

How do I convert KeysCollection to an array of Strings?

Answer 1

Assuming you're using .NET 3.5 or later (using System.Linq;):

string[] keys = dictionary.Keys.ToArray(); 

Otherwise, you will have to use the CopyTo method, or use a loop :

string[] keys = new string[dictionary.Keys.Count]; dictionary.Keys.CopyTo(keys, 0); 

Answer 2

With dictionary.Keys.CopyTo (keys, 0);

If you don't need the array (which you usually don't need) you can just iterate over the Keys.