Way to pad an array to avoid index outside of bounds of array error

Question

I expect to have at least 183 items in my list when I query it, but sometimes the result from my extract results in items count lower than 183. My current fix supposedly pads the array in the case that the count is less than 183.

if (extractArray.Count() < 183) {
    int arraysize= extractArray.Count();
    var tempArr = new String[183 - arraysize];
    List<string> itemsList = extractArray.ToList<string>();
    itemsList.AddRange(tempArr);
    var values = itemsList.ToArray();
    //-- Process the new array that is now at least 183 in length
}

But it seems my solution is not the best. I would appreciate any other solutions that could help ensure I get at least 183 items whenever the extract happens please.

Answer 1

The Array base class implements the Resize method

if(extractArray.Length < 183)
    Array.Resize<string>(ref extractArray, 183);

However, keep in mind that resizing is problematic for performance, thus this method is useful only if you require the array for some reason. If you can, then switch to a List<string>

And, I suppose you have an unidimensional array of strings here, so I use the Length property to check the effective number of items in the array.