Can I parse an int out of the first character of a string?

Question

Ok -- been trying to make a Deck of cards class that I can use in several small applications that I am trying to write (for experience and to highlight my ability to code -- because I WANT a job in C# but CANT because I dont have any experience, but cant GET experience because I dont have a JOB which is what I am trying to get in the first PLACE!!!! - breath - ....sorry, went a little off the rez. there for a sec).

Anyway - I have decided to use the naming convention for the cards as such : 2_Spades.gif, 3_Spades.gif, etc. etc. With the forethought that someday I could get those intial values and use them for comparison purposes when I decide to make some sort of game.

So how do I parse out that first character and cast it into an integer so that I can determine which card is higher?

Todd Vance · Answer

Ya that is nice - I will email that tonight and THANKS for the advice!

Jan Montano · Answer

Wow! That's nice! Go Mike! Go C#Corner! :)

Mike Gold · Answer

Hi Todd It's always a little difficult getting past the catch-22 Them: We have .NET jobs but we want someone with experience. You: How can I get experience if you don't give me a job? My suggestion here is to pursue a jr. level job where you may not get paid a lot but you'll pick up the experience you'll need to get the next job. There are ways to improve your odds: 1. Get a certification in C# (MSCE) 2. Work as an intern so that you can get 6 mo. on the job. 3. If you are willing to relocate this will greatly increase your chances. 4. Be open to a job that involves testing where you could work on the programming end. 5. Often a college will have programming projects which you can use as experience on your resume. 6. Networking is always a great way to land a job. The truth is that many jobs are gotten just because you hit it off with the people in the company. 7. Absolutely post your resume on monster.com with C# and .NET as keywords. Put your objective as: Seeking Junior Level job in C# and .NET in order to work with Microsoft Technology. In the meantime send your resume to jobs@c-sharpcorner.com and we'll circulate you in our system.

Jan Montano · Answer

string numberString = myCardBitmapName.Split('_')[0]; int valueOfCard = Convert.ToInt32(numberString); If you browse through string.Split... Returns a String array containing the substrings in this instance that are delimited by elements of a specified Char array. myCardBitmapName = 2_spades.gif The myCardBitmapName.Split('_') will return an array containing 2 elements. 1st element being 2 2nd element being spades.gif the [0] refers to the first element of the array.

Todd Vance · Answer

Can you explain the second statement? I understand your first one starts at the first character and ends at the '_' -- is this basically saying the same thing in the second statement (only backwards??). ** Any tips on breaking into the industry would be greatly appreciated - I'm a tech with tech experience - going to school for C.I.S. ((UNFORTUNATELY there are NO B.S. degree programs in Programming let alone .Net Programming)) - I have a Cert. of Completion (40 hours) at a Jr. College in Java Programming - have taken several programming classes (one using C#!) - and I am taking every tutorial I can and reading Jesse's Programming in C#. I have had some nibbles mainly headhunters but everyone has balked at the no experience thing....grrr. **

Mike Gold · Answer

Hi It's good you are trying to get experience in C# so you can persue a job in .NET. We need more .NET programmers out there! To parse out the number use: string numberString = myCardBitmapName.SubString(0 myCardBitmapName.IndexOf('_')); int valueOfCard = Convert.ToInt32(numberString); You can also use split: string numberString = myCardBitmapName.Split('_')[0]; int valueOfCard = Convert.ToInt32(numberString);