How to Insert into Array in C#

Inserting elements into an array dynamically is a common operation in C# programming, especially when dealing with variable-sized collections of data. In this guide, we’ll explore different methods to insert elements into an array in C#.

Using the Array Class

The Array class in C# provides several methods to manipulate arrays, including inserting elements at specific positions. One of the simplest ways to insert an element into an array is by using the Array.Copy method along with the Array.Resize method.

int[] numbers = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 };
int index = 2;
int newValue = 10;

In this example, we insert the value 10 into the numbers array at index 2.

Using Lists and Converting Back to Arrays

Alternatively, you can use the List<T> class to dynamically manage a collection of elements and then convert it back to an array if needed. This approach offers more flexibility and simplifies the insertion process.

List<int> numbersList = new List<int> { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 };
int index = 2;
int newValue = 10;

numbersList.Insert(index, newValue);
int[] numbers = numbersList.ToArray();

Here, we first create a List<int> containing the initial elements, then use the Insert method to insert the new value at the desired index. Finally, we convert the list back to an array using the ToArray method.

By utilizing these techniques, you can efficiently insert elements into arrays in C# based on your specific requirements.