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442

answers:

3

Hello :)

I am trying to format a byte array in C#, by porting a code from Java. In Java, the methods "buf.putInt(value);", buf.putShort, buf.putDouble, (and so forth) are used. However I don't know how to port this to C#. I have tried the MemoryStream class, but there is no method to put a specific type at the end of the byte array.

Question: What is the equivalent of Java's "ByteBuffer.putType(value)" in C#? Thanks!

A: 

You'll be wanting to use the BitConverter class. The main difference is that these methods return an array of bytes instead of altering an existing array.

(This is a replacement for the specific methods mentioned; for a replacement of the entire ByteBuffer class, see the other replies.)

John Calsbeek
+4  A: 

Try the BinaryWriter class:

using (var binaryWriter = new BinaryWriter(...))
{
    binaryWriter.Write(323);
    binaryWriter.Write(3487d);
    binaryWriter.Write("Hello");
}

HTH, Kent

Kent Boogaart
We both enjoy writing 3 things, including Hello.
sixlettervariables
Thank you for this, it's exactly what I was looking for :). However, how can I get back to a byte array after using the binary writer?
Lazlo
If the binary writer is wrapped around a `MemoryStream`, you can call `ToArray` on it and get a byte array.
John Calsbeek
I feel completely stupid asking another question, but, how do I wrap it around a MemoryStream?
Lazlo
Lazlo, you can see my answer for how you "wrap it around a memory stream" (I don't feel its my place to edit Kent's).
sixlettervariables
I feel like I stole your thunder Kent...
sixlettervariables
lol, no problem.
Kent Boogaart
+3  A: 

You can use a BinaryWriter and your MemoryStream:

MemoryStream stream = new MemoryStream();
using (BinaryWriter writer = new BinaryWriter(stream))
{
    writer.Write(myByte);
    writer.Write(myInt32);
    writer.Write("Hello");
}

byte[] bytes = stream.ToArray();
sixlettervariables
Thank you, I will use this solution in the end :)
Lazlo