When working with C# collections, most developers rely on strongly typed lists such as List<int> or List<string>. However, there are situations where you may need to store different data types in the same collection—this is called a heterogeneous collection.
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to create and manage heterogeneous collections in C#, along with examples and tips to follow clean coding practices.
Why Use a Heterogeneous Collection in C#?
A heterogeneous collection is useful when:
- You want to store mixed data types (e.g., integers, strings, custom objects).
- You need a flexible container for dynamic or unknown data at runtime.
- You’re building frameworks, plugins, or handling loosely structured data.
Best Practices for Heterogeneous Collections in C#
- Prefer interfaces or base classes when possible for cleaner, type-safe design.
- Avoid ArrayList in modern C# (use
List<object>or generics). - Use tuples/records for small, structured heterogeneous data.
- Consider serialization (e.g., JSON) when working with dynamic external data.
Conclusion
Storing a heterogeneous collection in C# can be done in multiple ways, depending on your use case. For quick and flexible solutions, List<object> works well. For maintainable and scalable systems, leveraging interfaces and polymorphism is the best practice.
By choosing the right approach, you can ensure your collections remain efficient, type-safe, and future-proof.
