System.TypeInitializationException: The type initializer for 'Tips' threw an exception

Question

I am trying to access the values of a static list. However when I try to do so this exception is thrown.

System.TypeInitializationException: The type initializer for 'Tips' threw an exception. -- -> System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object

The class with the list.

    public static class Tips
{
    //private List<Tip> roadtips = new List<Tip>();
    public static List<Tip> tips { get; set; }

     static Tips()
    {
        tips.Add(new Tip("Don't use your mobile phone whilst driving", "Making or receiving a call, even using a 'hands free' phone, can distract your attention from driving and could lead to an accident. "));
        tips.Add(new Tip("Children", "Children often act impulsively, take extra care outside schools, near buses and ice cream vans when they might be around."));
        tips.Add(new Tip("Take a break", "Tiredness is thought to be a major factor in more than 10% of road accidents. Plan to stop for at least a 15 minute break every 2 hours on a long journey."));
        tips.Add(new Tip("Don't drink and drive", "Any alcohol, even a small amount , can impair your driving so be a safe driver don't drive and drive."));
        tips.Add(new Tip("Anticipate ", "Observe and anticipate other road users and use your mirrors regularly."));
        tips.Add(new Tip("Use car seats ", "Child and baby seats should be fitted properly and checked every trip."));
        tips.Add(new Tip("Keep your distance ", "Always keep a two second gap between you and the car in front."));
    }
}

This is class trying to access the list.

 public partial class tip : PhoneApplicationPage
{
    public tip()
    {
        InitializeComponent();
        Random r = new Random();
        int rInt = r.Next(0, 6); 
        tipname.Text = Tips.tips[rInt].Name;
        tipdesc.Text = Tips.tips[rInt].Description;
    }
}

What's causing this to occur? Is there a better way to store these tips. I just need a list of tips to output to two textblocks on a Windows phone page.

Answer 1

It doesn't look like you ever initialize the auto-implemented property tips to a value. Hence it is null and causing an exception in your static initializer. Try initializing the value

static Tips()
{
  tips = new List<Tip>();
  ...
}