c# Is it possible to recreate an array?

Question

I have a class, CircularBuffer, which has a method CreateBuffer. The class does a number of things but occasionally I need to change the size of an array that is used in the class. I do not need the data any longer. Here is the class:

    static class CircularBuffer
    {
        static Array[,] buffer;
        static int columns, rows;

        public static void CreateBuffer(int columns, int rows)
        {
            buffer = new Array[rows,columns];
        }   

        //other methods that use the buffer
    }

Now the size of the buffer is up to 100 x 2048 floats. Is this going to cause any memory issues, or will it be automatically replaced with no issues? Thanks

So why are you using multidimensional arrays instead of other, better collection type like List<int> combined with classes or structs? — rory.ap
– rory.ap, Commented Jan 10, 2017 at 22:01

InBetween · Accepted Answer · 2017-01-10 22:18:12Z

2

You are, technically speaking, not recreating anything. You are simply creating a new array and overwriting the variable's value (the address, so to speak, of the array its referencing).

It's important therefore that you distinguish what you are really replacing; you are not replacing the array, only the reference to it.

Problems? None. By your code, the old array will not be reachable anymore and will therefore be eligible for collection by the GC. If the collection ever happens is up to the GC but its not something you should worry about.

edited Jan 10, 2017 at 22:18

answered Jan 10, 2017 at 22:12

InBetween

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1 Comment

Tom Over a year ago

Thank you, much appreciated

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