c# compare the data in two object models

Question

I have a dialog, when spawned it gets populated with the data in an object model. At this point the data is copied and stored in a \"backup\" object model. When the user h

Answer 1

I didn't bother with a hash string but just a straight Binary serialisation works wonders. When the dialog opens serialise the object model.

BinaryFormatter formatter = new BinaryFormatter();
m_backupStream = new MemoryStream();
formatter.Serialize(m_backupStream,m_objectModel);

Then if the user adds to the object model using available controls (or not). When the dialog closes you can compare to the original serialisation with a new one - this for me is how i decide whether or not an Undo state is required.

BinaryFormatter formatter = new BinaryFormatter();
MemoryStream liveStream = new MemoryStream();
formatter.Serialize(liveStream,m_objectModel);
byte[] streamOneBytes = liveStream.ToArray();
byte[] streamTwoBytes = m_backupStream.ToArray();
if(!CompareArrays(streamOneBytes, streamTwoBytes))
    AddUndoState();

And the compare arrays function incase anybody needs it - prob not the best way of comparing two arrays im sure.

private bool CompareArrays(byte[] a, byte[] b)
{
    if (a.Length != b.Length)
       return false;

    for (int i = 0; i < a.Length;i++)
    {
       if (a[i] != b[i])
        return false;
    }
    return true;
}