What is the difference between Convert.toString and .toString() method

Question

What is the difference between Convert.toString and .toString() method ?

Jaimin Shethiya · Answer

Hello Rohatash, Convert.ToString function handles NULLS while "someText.ToString()" does not handle the NULLS, it will throw a NULL reference exception error in application. so good practice is always used to the Convert.Tostring function. refer below link for mor details https://www.c-sharpcorner.com/blogs/difference-between-converttostring-and-tostring-method1#:~:text=Here%20both%20the%20methods%20are,%22convert%22%20is%20always%20safe. Thanks

Roshan Rathod · Answer

Both these methods are used to convert a value to string. The difference is Convert . ToString() method handles null whereas the ToString() doesn't handle null in C#. In C# if you declare a string variable and if you don't assign any value to that variable, then by default that variable takes a null value more details refer this link : https://dotnettutorials.net/lesson/difference-between-convert-tostring-and-tostring-csharp/

Manikavelu Velayutham · Answer

What you said is exactly correct. But I just want to know, when to use the .ToString() ? whats the exact purpose of it ? If it cant handle null value means, why its there in .NET ?

Ashutosh Gupta · Answer

Convert.ToString function handles NULL if string is null but ToString thorws exceptionif values is null

Suthish Nair · Answer

Vulpes had another valid point, and mine too.. So Mani, hope you understood why we need to use .ToString() in .Net framework. Also, instead of mouth shouting refer the fourms rules of this site. Shrikant, your initial sample is copy paste from msdn. I don't afraid of saying that. If am doing something wrong, you can too. If you are a member then you need to follow this websites rules .

Manikavelu Velayutham · Answer

Thanks Shrikant, your first reply itself gave me an clear cut idea on this two functionality. As well as Vulpes gave an added value information. It doesnt mean where you get the information, providing answers for the questions matters. You too really rocks. Thanks once again Shrikant.

Soft Corner · Answer

Suthish, see my post, i have mention that "by MSDN" . so no need to say its Copy & Pasted . & in your answer, it also describes the same thing which is in 2nd post of mine, the concept of Formatting types . anyways i got more knowledge about this question .. so cheers

Manikavelu Velayutham · Answer

Thanks Vulpes. Really you gave an added value information on this post. Your reply really rocks in all the forum posts.

Vulpes · Answer

One thing which Convert.ToString() can do is to convert decimal integers to binary or octal number strings. You cannot easily do this with ToString() as there's no standard format for such numbers, though it can deal with hex numbers using the 'X' format. You could do it by writing a custom IFormatProvider and passing that to ToString() but there's little point when the functionality is already there in the Convert class. However, the important thing about ToString() is that any class or struct can override it and so it can be made to do exactly what you want if the default behavior is inappropriate.

Suthish Nair · Answer

Shrikant, You copied and paste the contents from MSDN. Both of the methods do the same thing, but in different way. .ToString() works on formatting method principles (for more details refer msdn). Example: DateTime.Today.ToString("dd-MMM-yyyy"); --> 28-Mar-2011 DateTime.Today.ToString() --> 3/28/2011 12:00:00 AM This is why it will not accept null, because you cannot format a null value. Convert.ToString(), converts the specified value to its equivalent string representation. Convert.ToString(DateTime.Today) --> 3/28/2011 12:00:00 AM

Soft Corner · Answer

Hi, ToString is the major formatting method in the .NET Framework. It converts an object to its string representation so that it is suitable for display - by MSDN (For information about formatting support in the .NET Framework, see Formatting Types .)

Soft Corner · Answer

Rohatash , you should post such a type of questions in Interview section of C# Corner. Just to give an understanding of what the above question means see the below code. int i =0; MessageBox.Show(i.ToString()); MessageBox.Show(Convert.ToString(i)); We can convert the integer "i" using "i.ToString()" or "Convert.ToString" so what's the difference. The basic difference between them is "Convert" function handles NULLS while "i.ToString()" does not it will throw a NULL reference exception error. So as good coding practice using "convert" is always safe.

What is the difference between Convert.toString and .toString() method

Answers (12)