Refactoring a Dictionary, changing key type

Question

I am refactoring a C# library that uses a Dictionary<int, SomeInterface> all over the system. I need to change the key type from int to string, and use a Dictionary<string, SomeInterface> instead, and I am making dozens of changes. How to do it better, how to define a type in one place and uses it everywhere, so that if I need to change it later, I can change it in one place?

I already added a GetKey() method to my interface.

Edit: the library is used in other DLLs, and I want to limit possible changes to only one library. This is an agile shop, so we need to be ready for changes.

Answer 1

If swapping the type of key is important to you, consider a custom class wrapping the underlying key.

e.g, public class Key { public Key(object adaptee) { ... } }

Remember to implement Equals() and GetHashCode() and just delegate to the underlying object.

I'm not sure if this helps your particular scenario, but in general, Resharper is a fantastic tool to help assist with these types of changes.