Different Between string[] and List<string> in C#
Tags: csharp
Published: 2023-05-16 14:29:35

Introduction
------------

In C#, there are two main ways to store a collection of strings: `string[]` and `List<string>`. Both of these data structures have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand the difference between them before choosing which one to use.

> Original source can be found @ [Different Between string\[\] and List<string> in C#](https://axxellanceblog.com/posts/how-to-format-date-and-time-in-flutter)

The main difference between `string[]` and `List<string>` in C# is that `string[]` is a fixed-size array, while `List<string>` is a dynamic list. This means that you can only add or remove elements from a `string[]` at compile time, while you can add or remove elements from a `List<string>` at runtime.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between `string[]` and `List<string>`:

| Feature      | string[]                                     | List<string>                               |
|--------------|----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Size         | Fixed                                        | Dynamic                            |
| Elements     | Can only be added or removed at compile time | Can be added or removed at runtime |
| Performance  | Faster                                       | Slower                             |
| Memory usage | Less memory usage                            | More memory usage                  |

In general, you should use `string[]` when you know the exact size of the array and you don't need to add or remove elements at runtime. You should use `List<string>` when you need to add or remove elements at runtime or when you don't know the exact size of the list.

Here are some examples of when you might use `string[]`:

*   Storing a fixed number of strings, such as the names of months or days of the week
*   Storing the results of a calculation, such as the Fibonacci sequence
*   Storing the input or output of a function

Here are some examples of when you might use `List<string>`:

*   Storing a list of user-entered data
*   Storing a list of files in a directory
*   Storing a list of objects in a game

### **Conclusion**

The best way to decide which data structure to use is to consider the specific needs of your application. If you need a data structure that is fast and has a fixed size, then you should use `string[]`. If you need a data structure that is flexible and can be resized at runtime, then you should use `List<string>`.

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