How Can I Convert Hex Strings to Byte Arrays in C#?

Efficiently Converting Hex Strings to Byte Arrays in C#

C# provides several methods for converting hexadecimal strings into byte arrays, a common task when handling encoded data or binary formats. This guide explores two efficient approaches.

The simplest method utilizes the built-in HexToByteArray function (though note that this function is not directly available in the standard .NET libraries; it may be a custom function or from a third-party library. If it's a custom function, its implementation would need to be included). This function directly transforms a hex string into its byte array equivalent:

<code class="language-csharp">// Assuming HexToByteArray is a defined function (either custom or from a library)
using System.Security.Cryptography; // Or the appropriate namespace

string hexString = "68656c6c6f";
byte[] byteArray = HexToByteArray(hexString); </code>

For a more flexible and customizable solution, consider using LINQ:

<code class="language-csharp">public static byte[] HexStringToByteArray(string hex)
{
    return Enumerable.Range(0, hex.Length)
                     .Where(x => x % 2 == 0)
                     .Select(x => Convert.ToByte(hex.Substring(x, 2), 16))
                     .ToArray();
}</code>

This LINQ-based approach iterates through the hex string, extracts two-character segments, and converts them to bytes. It offers greater control over the conversion process. Both methods effectively achieve the same outcome, allowing for seamless integration into your C# projects. Choose the method that best suits your coding style and project requirements.

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