ArrayList Class Vs. List Generic Class

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Hello,

I need an array of objects. I am considering using either ArrayList Class
or List Generic Class.

Any guidelins regarding when to use one or the other?

Thanks
Eitan

[Nicholas Paldino [.NET/C# MVP]]

Eitan,

The only reason I can see using an ArrayList is when all the values that
you are going to store do not have a common base class (other than object).
However, in this case, I would suggest using List<object>, as List<object>
supports the IList<Tinterfac e still.

If the types that you are going to store in the list are all of the same
type, then use the generic class. In most instances (especially when
storing value types, because there is no boxing) you will see a performance
gain over the ArrayList class (even with reference types, there is a slight
performance gain).
--
- Nicholas Paldino [.NET/C# MVP]
- mv*@spam.guard. caspershouse.co m

"Eitan" <Ei***@discussi ons.microsoft.c omwrote in message
news:39******** *************** ***********@mic rosoft.com...

Hello,

I need an array of objects. I am considering using either ArrayList Class
or List Generic Class.

Any guidelins regarding when to use one or the other?

Thanks
Eitan

[Daniel Cigic]

ArrayList have some *build-in* methods/properties like SyncRoot or
Synchronized(Ar rayList/IList) that can be
helpful for the thread sync. if needed. I don't think that generic List have
that.

"Eitan" <Ei***@discussi ons.microsoft.c omwrote in message
news:39******** *************** ***********@mic rosoft.com...

Hello,

I need an array of objects. I am considering using either ArrayList Class
or List Generic Class.

Any guidelins regarding when to use one or the other?

Thanks
Eitan

[Jon Skeet [C# MVP]]

Daniel Cigic <da**********@g mail.comwrote:

ArrayList have some *build-in* methods/properties like SyncRoot or
Synchronized(Ar rayList/IList) that can be
helpful for the thread sync. if needed. I don't think that generic List have
that.

No, although there's SynchronizedCol lection<T>.

Personally I dislike using the "synchroniz ed" version of ArrayList as
it gives a false impression of automatic thread safety. You still need
to manually lock when you need to do anything which comprises more than
one operation, eg iterating through a list.

--
Jon Skeet - <sk***@pobox.co m>
http://www.pobox.com/~skeet Blog: http://www.msmvps.com/jon.skeet
If replying to the group, please do not mail me too