Generic class with generic type parameter stored in string

Question

Is there a way in C# to get the definition of a type from a string? I'd like to use it as a generic type parameter.

This is what i'd like to achieve in the end.

    string classname = "Class1";
    GenericClass<Class1> gc = new GenericClass<Class1>();
    gc.Method();

is there any possible way?

You can create the instance, but from that point onward you will be forced to work with it using reflection (unless there is additional information you have not given) -- i.e. you cannot then write gc.Method(). This will be slow and the compiler will not be able to catch any errors you make. Are you sure that's what you need to do? — Jon
– Jon, Commented Dec 5, 2013 at 12:50

Felipe Oriani · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-05 12:47:00Z

3

Yes, you can use reflection to do it and sometimes it cannot be too safe, try something like this article sample.

Type d1 = typeof(GenericClass<>);

Type[] typeArgs = { Type.GetType("Class1") };

Type makeme = d1.MakeGenericType(typeArgs);

object o = Activator.CreateInstance(makeme);

But you will not get all intellisense from visual studio.

answered Dec 5, 2013 at 12:47

Felipe Oriani

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