Check if String can be converted to a given type in C# [duplicate]

Answer 1

I would prefer the TryParse-way, because exceptions are expensive (performance).

Answer 2

Consider using the TypeConverter and generic methods. This avoids lots of if statement. Please add your own error handling based on MSDN documentation

 class Program
    {
        static T convert<T>(string s)
        {
            var typeConverter = TypeDescriptor.GetConverter(typeof(T));
            if (typeConverter != null && typeConverter.CanConvertFrom(typeof(string)))
            {
                return (T) typeConverter.ConvertFrom(s);
            }

            return default(T);
        }

        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            int x = convert<int>( "45");
        }
    }

Answer 3

I found a better solution than either of my initial ideas in another question that was recently asked.

parapura rajkumar was on the right track with the TypeConverter class, but the required exception handling for the CanConvertFrom method for non-exceptional events was what I was trying to avoid.

The TypeConverter.IsValid method solved my problem, although it is not ideal because the IsValid method is just a wrapper for the CanConvertFrom method and the required exception handling.

private Boolean CanCovert(String value, Type type)
{
    TypeConverter converter = TypeDescriptor.GetConverter(type);
    return converter.IsValid(value);
}