How should I cast in VB.NET?

Question

Are all of these equal? Under what circumstances should I choose each over the others?

• var.ToString()

• CStr(var)

• CType(var,

Answer 1

Cstr() is compiled inline for better performance.

CType allows for casts between types if a conversion operator is defined

ToString() Between base type and string throws an exception if conversion is not possible.

TryParse() From String to base typeif possible otherwise returns false

DirectCast used if the types are related via inheritance or share a common interface , will throw an exception if the cast is not possible, trycast will return nothing in this instance