How do I insert multiple datatype in generic arrraylist

Question

I am learning generics. I tried to include some elements this way.
List list = new List ();
for (int i=0; i<10; i++)
{
list.Add(i);
}
This works.
Now actually i want different types of data to be included
I want to include empno integer,empname string, dateofjoining date, salary double all these in a generic arraylist.
How should I do that, i.e. passing different datatypes in a single generic arraylist.
Kindly help

Clem · Answer

The title of this thread seems different than what the ts wants so I based my ans. on what the ts's posted.
Try using the object type as the template of list object in order for the list object to accept/add
different kinds/data-types of value, either value or reference types. Since, object class is the base class of all classes but remember that using this object class consumes more memory.
The code below might help.
List lst = new List ();
int x = 1;
string y = "aa";
Form1 frm1 = new Form1();
lst.Add(x);
lst.Add(y);
lst.Add(frm1);
MessageBox.Show(lst[0].GetType().ToString());
MessageBox.Show(lst[1].GetType().ToString());
MessageBox.Show(lst[2].GetType().ToString());

Rupert Bruce · Answer

Create an Employee class that has those attributes (id, salary, etc) and change your List to hold employees instead of integers.
Something like this:
class Employee
{
public int id;
public string name;
public double salary;
}
ArrayList myList = new ArrayList();
Employee fred;
fred.id=1;
fred.name="Fred Farquad";
fred.salary=123.45;
myList.Add(fred);
This is obviously missing a lot of detail and throws encapsulation out of the window...

Stefan · Answer

All the generic collections provided by the .Net Framework are type-safe, which means you cannot add objects of two different type to the same collection.