Question

Is it possible to get the name of a variable that points to a reference? Take the example below:

private void FillArray(int[] array, int count)
{
    array = new int[count];

    for (int i = 0; i < array.Length; i++)
    {
        array[i] = i;
    }

    Debug.WriteLine("Array {0} is now filled up with {1} values", array.Name, count);
}

There is no property Name for the array that is going to be used in the above method. I know that a workaround would be adding another parameter as string and assign the name to it, but how to do this programitically? Also I know I can make my own implementation, but I am interested to know the answer to this particular question!

Answer 1

No, the reference has no name.

It’s not the variable that is sent to the method, it’s the reference that was the value of the variable.

If there even was a variable, that is. The method could just as well be called with a newly created array, so there would be no variable at all:

FillArray(new int[4], 4)

Also, your method will ditch the array that is sent into it and create a new array, so you can just as well call it without any array at all:

FillArray(null, 4)

Your method doesn’t change the variable to reference the new array, it just throws away the new array. You would need to use the ref or out keyword for that:

private void FillArray(out int[] array, int count) {
  array = new int[count];
  for (int i = 0; i < array.Length; i++) {
    array[i] = i;
  }
}