Question

Sometimes i wonder, when converting strings to other types, for example int32, is one way better than the other, or is it just a matter of taste?

Convert.ToInt32("123")

or

Int32.Parse("123")

or

Some other way?

Not considering the case if it’s not a valid int in this question.

Answer 1

The Convert.ToInt32 is actually implemented the following way…

int.Parse(value, CultureInfo.CurrentCulture);

…which is the same as your stated alternative except it takes into account the culture settings. The int.Parse method is itself implemented the following way…

Number.ParseInt32(s, NumberStyles.Integer, NumberFormatInfo.GetInstance(provider));

…where Number is an internal class that you cannot call directly. The Number.ParseInt32 method is marked with the following attribute…

[MethodImpl(MethodImplOptions.InternalCall)]

…showing that it is implemented inside the CLR itself.