How Can I Efficiently Search for Byte Patterns within a Byte Array in C#?

Search for byte pattern in C# byte array

Searching for a specific sequence of bytes in a byte array is a common programming task. This article explores an efficient way to solve this problem.

Pattern Matching Algorithm

The algorithm iterates through the target byte array, looking for sequences that match the given pattern. A match is established if all bytes in the pattern are identical to the corresponding bytes in the target array. If a match is found, the position of the first byte in the pattern in the destination array is recorded.

Implementation details

The C# implementation uses a series of nested loops to compare the pattern to every possible starting position in the target array. The Locate method is responsible for this process, providing a concise and direct way to locate all occurrences of the pattern.

Candidate Verification

The algorithm contains checks to handle cases where the pattern or target array is empty or the pattern exceeds the length of the target array. These checks avoid unnecessary iterations, thus optimizing performance.

Matching criteria

The matching process relies on the IsMatch helper method, which confirms potential matches by comparing each byte in the pattern to its corresponding byte in the target array.

Example usage

The provided unit tests demonstrate the functionality of the algorithm. It generates a sample byte array and a pattern, then displays where the pattern occurs in the target array.

Performance considerations

The algorithm prioritizes simplicity and performance. It leverages the JIT compiler for optimal execution by avoiding memory allocations and unsafe code. Extensive benchmark testing demonstrates its efficiency, making it a solid choice for real-world applications.

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