.NET Framework – System.Collections

Overview

The System.Collections namespace contains non‑generic collection classes that implement IEnumerable and ICollection interfaces. These types provide various data structures such as dynamic arrays, hash tables, stacks, and queues.

Key Types

Class / Interface Description
ArrayListA dynamically sized array of Object references.
HashtableA collection of key/value pairs that are organized based on the hash code of the key.
List<T>A generic dynamic array.
Dictionary<TKey,TValue>A generic collection of key/value pairs.
Stack<T>Represents a simple last‑in‑first‑out (LIFO) non‑generic collection of objects.
Queue<T>Represents a first‑in‑first‑out (FIFO) collection of objects.

Example: Using ArrayList

// Create an ArrayList and add items
ArrayList list = new ArrayList();
list.Add(1);
list.Add("two");
list.Add(DateTime.Now);

// Iterate over items
foreach (object item in list)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"{item} (Type: {item.GetType()})");
}

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