Searching for files - what sets the return order?

[Guest]

string[] allFiles = Directory.GetFiles(folderPath, filters,
SearchOption.AllDirectories);

I noticed that the order that the files are returned in varies from PC
to PC - some return in alphabetical order; some appear to return in
date modified or something else. In my testing, it seemed that files
within a give subdirectory are returned in alphabetical order, but its
the order that the subfolders themselves are processed in which varies
a lot.

Any thoughts?

 

[Mattias Sjögren]

Any thoughts?

Don't write code that depends on the order. If you need them in a
specific order you should sort the list youself.


Mattias

 

[Guest]

Don't write code that depends on the order. If you need them in a
specific order you should sort the list youself.


Mattias

Yes - I have realised this, and will ensure that any code written will
sort the returned files. However, for an existing problem, I am
looking to give people an interim fix. If we can understand what sets
the return order, then perhaps this will help.

 

[cody]

The return order is undefined and depends on the internal implementation of
the filesystem.
You should never rely on the order.

Don't write code that depends on the order. If you need them in a
specific order you should sort the list youself.


Mattias

Yes - I have realised this, and will ensure that any code written will
sort the returned files. However, for an existing problem, I am
looking to give people an interim fix. If we can understand what sets
the return order, then perhaps this will help.