Abstract class --> get a new instace of current derived class

Question

Is it possible to get a new instance of the current derived class that is calling a function of the base abstract class? For example:

class Bar1 : Foo
{

}
class Bar2 : Foo
{

}

abstract class Foo
{
    public Foo CreateAnotherInstance()
    {
        return new Bar1/Bar2();   // depending on the calling derived class
    }
}

Should lead to:

Bar1 bar1 = new Bar1();
Bar2 bar2 = new Bar2();
Foo bar1_2 = bar1.CreateAnotherInstance();  // Should be a new Bar1 instance
Foo bar2_2 = bar1.CreateAnotherInstance();  // Should be a new Bar2 instance

The only way i've found is to create the instance is an abstract method, where the instance is created in each derived class like:

class Bar1 : Foo
{
    public override Foo CreateAnotherInstance()
    {
        return new Bar1();
    }
}

class Bar2 : Foo
{
    public override Foo CreateAnotherInstance()
    {
        return new Bar2();
    }
}

abstract class Foo
{
    public abstract Foo CreateAnotherInstance();
}

But in this way, i have to create the method for each derived class.

Is there a simpler solution for this problem available?

Answer 1

Thanks to René Vogt and mjwills for giving the answer:

Using

(Foo)Activator.CreateInstance(GetType()); 

So change the abstract class to:

abstract class Foo
{
    public Foo CreateAnotherInstance()
    {
        return (Foo)Activator.CreateInstance(GetType());
    }
}

If the constructor isn't parameterless:

(Foo)Activator.CreateInstance(GetType(), para1, para2, ...);