How do you convert a DataTable into a generic list?

c# generics datatable
Iain Holder picture Iain Holder · Oct 16, 2008 · Viewed 509.8k times · Source

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?

Answer

Jon Skeet picture Jon Skeet · Oct 16, 2008

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();

Related questions

Convert generic List/Enumerable to DataTable?

I have few methods that returns different Generic Lists. Exists in .net any class static method or whatever to convert any list into a datatable? The only thing that i can imagine is use Reflection to do this. IF i …

Read More
Convert DataTable to List<T>

I have an strongly typed DataTable of type MyType, I'd like convert it in a List<MyType>. How can I do this ? Thanks.

Read More
.NET - Convert Generic Collection to DataTable

I am trying to convert a generic collection (List) to a DataTable. I found the following code to help me do this: // Sorry about indentation public class CollectionHelper { private CollectionHelper() { } // this is the method I have been using public static …

Read More