Comparing two dictionaries for equal data in c#?

Question

I have two dictionaries containing a string key and then an object. The object contains five fields. Is there an elegant way to ensure both dictionaries first contain the same k

Answer 1

The built-in Equals function of Dictionary only checks for reference equality, see this question on SO. Hashcodes do not reliably tell you if two objects are equal; there is always a chance of hash collision. Never use hashcodes as an equality test!

I would do it by hand: Compare the entry count of both dictionaries, iterate over the key-value-pairs of one dictionary and check if the key exists in the other one and compare the corresponding objects from both dictionaries. Edit: See Rawling's answer :)