C# `DirectoryInfo` Class: Object-Oriented Directory Manipulation

Master directory manipulation in C# using the `DirectoryInfo` class. This tutorial demonstrates how to create, delete, and manage directories, including robust error handling. Learn to use `DirectoryInfo` for efficient and object-oriented file system operations.

Working with Directories in C# using the `DirectoryInfo` Class

Introduction to `DirectoryInfo`

The C# `DirectoryInfo` class (part of the `System.IO` namespace) provides a way to work with directories (folders) in a more object-oriented manner. It offers properties and methods for creating, deleting, moving, and getting information about directories and their contents. Unlike the static `Directory` class, `DirectoryInfo` works with directory objects, making it suitable for more complex directory manipulation.

`DirectoryInfo` Class Members

The `DirectoryInfo` class includes constructors, properties, and methods for managing directories.

Constructors

Constructor	Description
`DirectoryInfo(string path)`	Creates a new `DirectoryInfo` object for the specified path.

Properties

Property	Description
`Attributes`	Gets or sets the attributes of the directory (e.g., read-only, hidden).
`CreationTime`	Gets or sets the directory's creation time.
`CreationTimeUtc`	Gets or sets the creation time in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).
`Exists`	Indicates whether the directory exists.
`Extension`	Gets the extension of the directory (always empty for directories).
`FullName`	Gets the full path of the directory.
`LastAccessTime`	Gets or sets the last access time.
`LastAccessTimeUtc`	Gets or sets the last access time in UTC.
`LastWriteTime`	Gets or sets the last write time.
`LastWriteTimeUtc`	Gets or sets the last write time in UTC.
`Name`	Gets the name of the directory.
`Parent`	Gets the parent directory.
`Root`	Gets the root directory of the path.

Methods

Method	Description
`Create()`	Creates the directory.
`CreateSubdirectory()`	Creates a subdirectory.
`Delete()`	Deletes the directory (must be empty).
`EnumerateDirectories()`	Gets an enumerable collection of subdirectories.
`EnumerateFiles()`	Gets an enumerable collection of files.
`GetAccessControl()`	Gets the directory's access control list (ACL).
`GetDirectories()`	Gets an array of subdirectories.
`GetFiles()`	Gets an array of files.
`GetType()`	Gets the type of the object.
`MoveTo()`	Moves the directory to a new location.
`Refresh()`	Refreshes the directory information.
`SetAccessControl()`	Sets the directory's access control list.
`ToString()`	Returns a string representation of the path.

Example: Creating and Deleting a Directory

This example demonstrates creating and then deleting a directory using the `DirectoryInfo` class. It includes error handling using a `try-catch` block to manage potential exceptions. Remember to replace `"F:\tutorialsarena"` with an actual path on your system.

C# Code

using System;
using System.IO;

public class DirectoryInfoExample {
    public static void Main(string[] args) {
        DirectoryInfo dir = new DirectoryInfo(@"F:\tutorialsarena");
        try {
            if (dir.Exists) {
                Console.WriteLine("Directory already exists.");
            } else {
                dir.Create();
                Console.WriteLine("Directory created successfully.");
                dir.Delete();
                Console.WriteLine("Directory deleted successfully.");
            }
        } catch (Exception ex) {
            Console.WriteLine($"Error: {ex.Message}");
        }
    }
}

    

Conclusion

The `DirectoryInfo` class provides a powerful and object-oriented way to interact with directories in C#. It's important to understand its properties and methods and always handle potential exceptions appropriately.