How Can I Implement a Generic TryParse Method in C#?

Generic TryParse: Exploring Alternative Approaches

Trying to implement a generic extension using 'TryParse' to validate string conversions to a given type can pose challenges due to the lack of 'TryParse' as an interface method. This article explores potential solutions to overcome this obstacle.

One approach suggested by the community utilizes the TypeDescriptor class. This class provides a way to obtain a converter for a specific type. By invoking the ConvertFromString method on the retrieved converter, one can convert the string input to the desired type. This method also handles exceptions that may arise during conversion.

public static T Convert<T>(this string input)
{
    try
    {
        var converter = TypeDescriptor.GetConverter(typeof(T));
        if(converter != null)
        {
            // Cast ConvertFromString(string text) : object to (T)
            return (T)converter.ConvertFromString(input);
        }
        return default(T);
    }
    catch (NotSupportedException)
    {
        return default(T);
    }
}

Alternatively, one can modify the code to accept a target type as a parameter, eliminating the need for generics. This approach provides more control over the conversion process.

public static bool Is(this string input, Type targetType)
{
    try
    {
        TypeDescriptor.GetConverter(targetType).ConvertFromString(input);
        return true;
    }
    catch
    {
        return false;
    }
}

Although the exception-based approach may seem unconventional, it offers a viable solution to the challenge of performing generic string conversions.

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