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IsNullOrEmpty for Generic Collections in C#

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12 Aug 2015CPOL 33.3K   11   22
IsNullOrEmpty for Generic Collections in C#

In this code snippet, we will see the creation and implementation of IsNullOrEmpty for collections.

Can I Implement IsNullOrEmpty for my Generic Collections/Lists?

It's out of C#. Unfortunately, there is only one method which is of a String method String.IsNullOrEmpty() available, framework does not provide us such things.

What is the Solution for this?

A solution is only an Extension Method, we just need to create an Extension Method which will provide the same facility: Here is the extension method:

C#
public static class CollectioncExtensionMethods  
    {  
        public static bool IsNullOrEmpty<T>(this IEnumerable<T> genericEnumerable)  
        {  
            return ((genericEnumerable == null) || (!genericEnumerable.Any()));  
        }  
  
        public static bool IsNullOrEmpty<T>(this ICollection<T> genericCollection)  
        {  
            if (genericCollection == null)  
            {  
                return true;  
            }  
            return genericCollection.Count < 1;  
        }  
    }

Enjoy the benefit of these extension methods. :)

C#
var serverDataList = new List<ServerData>();  

//It will use IsNullOrEmpty<T>(this ICollection<T> gnericCollection)
var result = serverDataList.IsNullOrEmpty();  
 
var serverData = new ServerDataRepository().GetAll();
              
// It will use IsNullOrEmpty<T>(this IEnumerable<T> genericEnumerable)  
var result = serverData.IsNullOrEmpty();

Can You Think What It Will Give When I Call serverDataList.Count and When I Call serverData.Count?

Hint: One will give me O(n) while other O(1), enjoy! :)

If still confused, view this video on .NET collection by legend author, Mr. Shivprasad Koirala.

License

This article, along with any associated source code and files, is licensed under The Code Project Open License (CPOL)


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Comments and Discussions

 
GeneralMy vote of 5 Pin
D V L23-Aug-15 19:55
professionalD V L23-Aug-15 19:55 
AnswerRe: My vote of 5 Pin
Gaurav Aroraa23-Aug-15 21:56
professionalGaurav Aroraa23-Aug-15 21:56 
Thanks for your appreciation

QuestionNot really a good idea Pin
William E. Kempf13-Aug-15 6:01
William E. Kempf13-Aug-15 6:01 
AnswerRe: Not really a good idea Pin
mtiede13-Aug-15 10:50
mtiede13-Aug-15 10:50 
GeneralRe: Not really a good idea Pin
codefabricator18-Aug-15 5:55
codefabricator18-Aug-15 5:55 
QuestionNice trick Pin
DotNetForAll13-Aug-15 3:57
DotNetForAll13-Aug-15 3:57 
AnswerRe: Nice trick Pin
Gaurav Aroraa13-Aug-15 4:00
professionalGaurav Aroraa13-Aug-15 4:00 
QuestionGreat Pin
irneb13-Aug-15 2:13
irneb13-Aug-15 2:13 
AnswerRe: Great Pin
Gaurav Aroraa13-Aug-15 3:53
professionalGaurav Aroraa13-Aug-15 3:53 
GeneralRe: Great Pin
irneb13-Aug-15 19:59
irneb13-Aug-15 19:59 
GeneralRe: Great Pin
Gaurav Aroraa13-Aug-15 20:11
professionalGaurav Aroraa13-Aug-15 20:11 
GeneralRe: Great Pin
irneb14-Aug-15 22:55
irneb14-Aug-15 22:55 
AnswerRe: Great Pin
Gaurav Aroraa15-Aug-15 22:49
professionalGaurav Aroraa15-Aug-15 22:49 
GeneralRe: Great Pin
irneb16-Aug-15 23:46
irneb16-Aug-15 23:46 
AnswerRe: Great Pin
Gaurav Aroraa17-Aug-15 1:18
professionalGaurav Aroraa17-Aug-15 1:18 
GeneralRe: Great Pin
irneb17-Aug-15 4:48
irneb17-Aug-15 4:48 
AnswerRe: Great Pin
Gaurav Aroraa17-Aug-15 22:37
professionalGaurav Aroraa17-Aug-15 22:37 
GeneralRe: Great Pin
Gaurav Aroraa24-Aug-15 5:29
professionalGaurav Aroraa24-Aug-15 5:29 
GeneralMy vote 5 Pin
Shuby Arora12-Aug-15 10:56
Shuby Arora12-Aug-15 10:56 
GeneralRe: My vote 5 Pin
Gaurav Aroraa13-Aug-15 3:53
professionalGaurav Aroraa13-Aug-15 3:53 

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