C# Cannot convert from IEnumerable<Base> to IEnumerable

Question

I recently run into trouble when trying to AddRange(IEnumerable) to a List. Probably a classic issue, but I do not really get it yet.

I understand that methods expec

Answer 1

In C# 3.0 you can use the "Cast" extension method. If you import System.Linq and then use this code:

public void AddRange2<T>(IEnumerable<T> foos) where T : Foo
{
    m_Foos.AddRange (foos.Cast<Foo>());
}

Then it should work for you.

Answer 2

There is workaround with extension method:

public static IEnumerable<TBase> ToBaseEnumerable<TBase, TDerived>( this IEnumerable<TDerived> items ) where TDerived : TBase {
    foreach( var item in items ) {
        yield return item;
    }
}
...
IEnumerable<Employee> employees = GetEmployees(); //Emplyoee derives from Person
DoSomethingWithPersons( employees.ToBaseEnumerable<Person, Employee>() );

but the "<Person, Employee>" is little bit awkward :/.

Answer 3

This is covariance, and will be fixed in C# 4.0 / .NET 4.0. For now, the generic option is the best answer (for IEnumerable<T> - not IList<T> etc).

But within the generic method, you have to think in terms of T. You could also use Cast<T> or OfType<T> with LINQ to achieve something similar.

Answer 4

The cast solution of course might generated class cast exceptions. The person who posted the enumerable extension work around said it was awkward. I came up with a solution which is only half as awkward, don't know if I'll use it:

public static class UpTo<T>
{
    public static IEnumerable<T> From<F>(IEnumerable<F> source) where F:T
    {
        // this cast is guaranteed to work
        return source.Select(f => (T) f);
    }
}

Usage:

IEnumerable mammals = UpTo<Mammal>.From(kennel.Dogs)