[coder 123]

How do I insert a null in a variable string array.

string[] AutoComp = { "michal", "chris", "gems" };

thanks

[Adkins]

Null you can't but what you can insert is string.Empty. That has the same general principle as null, but it is techincally a value so it should work. Without more info and knowing what you are trying to accomplish though I can't say for sure.

[FlashM]

I don't understand what is the problem...

This works just fine for me...

string[] array = { "b", "n", "d", null };

[Adkins]

DOH! that is true. Since String is a reference type not a value type, null is allowed. I retract my previous statement and thanks FlashM for correcting that!

[Sn0wBum]

I'm not sure why you would want to enter a null value like this. In this example with the addition of the null you could initialize the array by setting its size and then enter it's values.

string[] AutoComp = new string[4];
AutoComp[0] = "name1";
AutoComp[1] = "name2";
AutoComp[2] = "name3";

// Doing it this way will allow to you work through your code and enter a value for AutoComp[3] where ever you please. Keeping scope in mind of course.  :)/>

[coder 123]

thanks

[FlashM]

Just to let you know: null is not equal to string.Empty...

[MentalFloss]

Quote

Just to let you know: null is not equal to string.Empty..

While this is true, you should be doing the check String.IsNullOrEmpty() instead of myString != null && myString != string.Empty.

As for the original problem of inserting null - bad idea. As stated, use string.Empty. Well, unless you can provide a compelling reason for it of course. I just think it's going to bite you later.

Furthermore, string.Empty is easy to see what the person writing the code meant to say. With null, there's a bit more guess work that usually goes into understanding exact intent.

[FlashM]

I would use null value for string variable when I would want to save a record in my database and at the same time wanted some field in a record to remain null value in my database. Otherwise, I don't see any reason to use null value for a string variable.

One more thing that might be important: Usually if you wanted to insert a record with some of the fields being null, you would use DBNull.Value. If using NHibernate, you would use null instead.