Deep clone class and subclasses in C#

Question

I recently discovered that MemberwiseCloning a class doesn't seem to clone it's subclasses (classes defined within it). They still seem to be treated as pointers. Is there some way I can clone a whole class with all subclasses?

" Is there some way I can clone a whole class with all subclasses?" - Yes. Write a clone Method. Search the internet to find the short code snippet that uses serialization. Maybe try typing your title into a serach engine? — Mitch Wheat, Jul 28 '13 at 01:40
There is a holo tickbox next to each answer, it gives you a couple of points by ticking it and saves everyone's time by letting them know your question is solved. Good luck:) — Jeremy Thompson, Jul 28 '13 at 01:45

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Jul 28 '13 at 01:43

2

Use something like this

public object Clone()
{
    using (var memStream = new MemoryStream())
    {
        var binaryFormatter = new BinaryFormatter(
           null, 
           new StreamingContext(StreamingContextStates.Clone));
        binaryFormatter.Serialize(memStream, this);
        memStream.Seek(0, SeekOrigin.Begin);
        return binaryFormatter.Deserialize(memStream);
    }
}

answered Jul 28 '13 at 01:43

Claudio Redi

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What about performance ?! Should we use this trick or defining the function ICloeable.Clone() for each sub class to gain performance ? – K4timini Jul 24 '14 at 09:00
@K4timini: if you need a deep clone, I think this is the most performant method. – Claudio Redi Jul 24 '14 at 12:11

Deep clone class and subclasses in C#

1 Answers1