Search code examples
c#genericsdatatable

How do you convert a DataTable into a generic list?


Currently, I'm using:

DataTable dt = CreateDataTableInSomeWay();

List<DataRow> list = new List<DataRow>(); 
foreach (DataRow dr in dt.Rows)
{
    list.Add(dr);
}

Is there a better/magic way?


Solution

  • If you're using .NET 3.5, you can use DataTableExtensions.AsEnumerable (an extension method) and then if you really need a List<DataRow> instead of just IEnumerable<DataRow> you can call Enumerable.ToList:

    IEnumerable<DataRow> sequence = dt.AsEnumerable();
    

    or

    using System.Linq;
    ...
    List<DataRow> list = dt.AsEnumerable().ToList();