how-to-convert-char-star-string-to-system-byte-array.md

description	Learn more about: How to: Convert char * String to System::Byte Array
title	How to: Convert char * String to System::Byte Array
ms.custom	get-started-article
ms.date	11/04/2016
helpviewer_keywords	examples [C++], strings arrays [C++], character character arrays, converting to System::Byte arrays examples [C++], arrays
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How to: Convert char * String to System::Byte Array

The most efficient way to convert a char * string to a xref:System.Byte array is to use xref:System.Runtime.InteropServices.Marshal class.

Example

// convert_native_string_to_Byte_array.cpp
// compile with: /clr
#include <string.h>

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Runtime::InteropServices;

int main() {
   char buf[] = "Native String";
   int len = strlen(buf);

   array< Byte >^ byteArray = gcnew array< Byte >(len + 2);

   // convert native pointer to System::IntPtr with C-Style cast
   Marshal::Copy((IntPtr)buf,byteArray, 0, len);

   for ( int i = byteArray->GetLowerBound(0); i <= byteArray->GetUpperBound(0); i++ ) {
      char dc =  *(Byte^)   byteArray->GetValue(i);
      Console::Write((Char)dc);
   }

   Console::WriteLine();
}

Native String

See also

Using C++ Interop (Implicit PInvoke)