How to read embedded resource text file

Question

How do I read an embedded resource (text file) using StreamReader and return it as a string? My current script uses a Windows form and textbox that allows the user to find and replace text in a text file that is not embedded.

private void button1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e) {     StringCollection strValuesToSearch = new StringCollection();     strValuesToSearch.Add("Apple");     string stringToReplace;     stringToReplace = textBox1.Text;      StreamReader FileReader = new StreamReader(@"C:\MyFile.txt");     string FileContents;     FileContents = FileReader.ReadToEnd();     FileReader.Close();     foreach (string s in strValuesToSearch)     {         if (FileContents.Contains(s))             FileContents = FileContents.Replace(s, stringToReplace);     }     StreamWriter FileWriter = new StreamWriter(@"MyFile.txt");     FileWriter.Write(FileContents);     FileWriter.Close(); } 

Answer 1

You can use the Assembly.GetManifestResourceStream Method:

1. Add the following usings

   using System.IO; using System.Reflection; 

2. Set property of relevant file:
   Parameter Build Action with value Embedded Resource

3. Use the following code

   var assembly = Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly(); var resourceName = "MyCompany.MyProduct.MyFile.txt";  using (Stream stream = assembly.GetManifestResourceStream(resourceName)) using (StreamReader reader = new StreamReader(stream)) {     string result = reader.ReadToEnd(); } 

   resourceName is the name of one of the resources embedded in assembly. For example, if you embed a text file named "MyFile.txt" that is placed in the root of a project with default namespace "MyCompany.MyProduct", then resourceName is "MyCompany.MyProduct.MyFile.txt". You can get a list of all resources in an assembly using the Assembly.GetManifestResourceNames Method.

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A no brainer astute to get the resourceName from the file name only (by pass the namespace stuff):

string resourceName = assembly.GetManifestResourceNames()   .Single(str => str.EndsWith("YourFileName.txt")); 

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A complete example:

public string ReadResource(string name) {     // Determine path     var assembly = Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly();     string resourcePath = name;     // Format: "{Namespace}.{Folder}.{filename}.{Extension}"     if (!name.StartsWith(nameof(SignificantDrawerCompiler)))     {         resourcePath = assembly.GetManifestResourceNames()             .Single(str => str.EndsWith(name));     }      using (Stream stream = assembly.GetManifestResourceStream(resourcePath))     using (StreamReader reader = new StreamReader(stream))     {         return reader.ReadToEnd();     } }