Normalize. The Normalize method changes Unicode character sequences. A string's buffer is represented in Unicode. Normalize affects how the Unicode characters are ordered.
We explore how the representations of string data change. This method is not need in many C# programs, but when it is needed, it is important.
This program introduces a string with an accent on the lowercase a. We call Normalize with no parameters, and then Normalize with the parameters NormalizationForm.FormD, FormKC, and FormKD.
Then We print, with Console.WriteLine, the resulting strings to the screen as we go along.
Note You can also pass an argument to IsNormalized. In this case, that specific normalization form is checked.
using System;
using System.Text;
class Program
{
static void Main()
{
const string input = "á";
string val2 = input.Normalize();
string val3 = input.Normalize(NormalizationForm.FormD);
Console.WriteLine(input.IsNormalized());
Console.WriteLine(val2.IsNormalized());
Console.WriteLine(val3.IsNormalized());
Console.WriteLine( val3.IsNormalized(NormalizationForm.FormD));
}
}True
True
False
True
A discussion. Mainly, the Normalize method is useful for interoperability purposes. If you have to interact with another program that uses Unicode, it would be important to call Normalize.
Tip There is no reason to call Normalize if you are just using ASCII or if you are not interoperating with another Unicode form.
Discussion, continued. IsNormalized addresses the need to determine the normalization status of a string. Normalization is necessary when interoperating with other systems.
Detail You can ignore IsNormalized and just leave strings in their default normalization format.
A summary. Normalize() provides interoperation with other systems. It is not a commonly needed string method. But it reveals an important detail of the string implementation.
Dot Net Perls is a collection of tested code examples. Pages are continually updated to stay current, with code correctness a top priority.
Sam Allen is passionate about computer languages. In the past, his work has been recommended by Apple and Microsoft and he has studied computers at a selective university in the United States.