How to convert multi-dim array to generics collection in C#

Question

I'm trying to refactor some old code that is heavily relying on multi dimensional arrays. I'm having problems when I need to read a lot of data. I already found I should use generic collections instead. But I can only find samples for simple arrays.

Here's part of the code to clearify:

// Declare:
private double[,] cpoints;

// Init:
this.cpoints = new double[this.Np, 3];

// Writing:
this.cpoints[indx, 0] = x;
this.cpoints[indx, 1] = y;
this.cpoints[indx, 2] = z;

// Reading:
double dx = this.cpoints[0, 0] - this.cpoints[1, 0];

The first dimension of the array can be very large. Because of my search I think I need a List in a Dictionary, but I can't get it right.

Can anybody point me in the right direction? Some samples would really be great.

BTW. I'm using VS2008 and .NETv3.5

EDIT:

The code is part of a Kriging implementation for the MapWindow Open Source GIS application (www.mapwindow.org). This plug-in is working OK with small amounts of points, but with larger amounts we're getting memory issues. At What is the Maximum Size that an Array can hold? I read that it is better to use List so I'm trying to refactor the code so it can handle more points. The answer by Damith seems good. I'll try that. The code has more multi-dim arrays. I'll need to look at those as well. Most likely I'll ask some questions about them later on ;)

Thanks.

There's nothing wrong with multidimensional arrays as long as they fit the purpose. What is the objective here? — CodingIntrigue
– CodingIntrigue, Commented Sep 13, 2013 at 12:02
A List<T> internally uses an array T[]. And a Dictionary also works with arrays. So if you're looking for a better performance, this is probably not the way to go. - Why do you feel the need to change working code? — Corak
– Corak, Commented Sep 13, 2013 at 12:09
Thanks all for your comments. I've updated my question with some additional info. — Paul Meems
– Paul Meems, Commented Sep 16, 2013 at 6:54

Damith · Accepted Answer · 2013-09-13 12:20:38Z

2

public class CPoint
{
    public double X { get; set; }
    public double Y { get; set; }
    public double Z { get; set; }
}

Declare:

private List<CPoint> cpoints;

Init:

this.cpoints = new List<CPoint>(this.Np);

Writing:

this.cpoints[indx].X = x;

Reading:

double dx = this.cpoints[0].X - this.cpoints[1].X;

you can change the class below as well

public class  CPoint<T>
{
    public T X { get; set; }
    public T Y { get; set; }
    public T Z { get; set; }
}

then you can use othe types like int

var cpoints = new List<CPoint<int>>(45);

int dx = cpoints[0].X - cpoints[1].X;

edited Sep 13, 2013 at 12:20

answered Sep 13, 2013 at 12:08

Damith

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