How to read embedded resource text file

How do I read an embedded resource (text file) using StreamReader and return it as a string? My current script uses a Windows form and textbox that allows the user to find and replace text in a text file that is not embedded.

private void button1_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    StringCollection strValuesToSearch = new StringCollection();
    strValuesToSearch.Add("Apple");
    string stringToReplace;
    stringToReplace = textBox1.Text;

    StreamReader FileReader = new StreamReader(@"C:\MyFile.txt");
    string FileContents;
    FileContents = FileReader.ReadToEnd();
    FileReader.Close();
    foreach (string s in strValuesToSearch)
    {
        if (FileContents.Contains(s))
            FileContents = FileContents.Replace(s, stringToReplace);
    }
    StreamWriter FileWriter = new StreamWriter(@"MyFile.txt");
    FileWriter.Write(FileContents);
    FileWriter.Close();
}

Solution 1:

You can use the Assembly.GetManifestResourceStream Method:

1. Add the following usings

   using System.IO;
   using System.Reflection;
   

2. Set property of relevant file:
   Parameter Build Action with value Embedded Resource

3. Use the following code

   var assembly = Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly();
   var resourceName = "MyCompany.MyProduct.MyFile.txt";
   
   using (Stream stream = assembly.GetManifestResourceStream(resourceName))
   using (StreamReader reader = new StreamReader(stream))
   {
       string result = reader.ReadToEnd();
   }
   

   resourceName is the name of one of the resources embedded in assembly. For example, if you embed a text file named "MyFile.txt" that is placed in the root of a project with default namespace "MyCompany.MyProduct", then resourceName is "MyCompany.MyProduct.MyFile.txt". You can get a list of all resources in an assembly using the Assembly.GetManifestResourceNames Method.

A no brainer astute to get the resourceName from the file name only (by pass the namespace stuff):

string resourceName = assembly.GetManifestResourceNames()
  .Single(str => str.EndsWith("YourFileName.txt"));

A complete example:

public string ReadResource(string name)
{
    // Determine path
    var assembly = Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly();
    string resourcePath = name;
    // Format: "{Namespace}.{Folder}.{filename}.{Extension}"
    if (!name.StartsWith(nameof(SignificantDrawerCompiler)))
    {
        resourcePath = assembly.GetManifestResourceNames()
            .Single(str => str.EndsWith(name));
    }

    using (Stream stream = assembly.GetManifestResourceStream(resourcePath))
    using (StreamReader reader = new StreamReader(stream))
    {
        return reader.ReadToEnd();
    }
}

Solution 2:

You can add a file as a resource using two separate methods.

The C# code required to access the file is different, depending on the method used to add the file in the first place.

Method 1: Add existing file, set property to Embedded Resource

Add the file to your project, then set the type to Embedded Resource.

NOTE: If you add the file using this method, you can use GetManifestResourceStream to access it (see answer from @dtb).

Method 2: Add file to Resources.resx

Open up the Resources.resx file, use the dropdown box to add the file, set Access Modifier to public.

NOTE: If you add the file using this method, you can use Properties.Resources to access it (see answer from @Night Walker).

Solution 3:

Basically, you use System.Reflection to get a reference to the current Assembly. Then, you use GetManifestResourceStream().

Example, from the page I posted:

Note: need to add using System.Reflection; for this to work

   Assembly _assembly;
   StreamReader _textStreamReader;

   try
   {
      _assembly = Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly();
      _textStreamReader = new StreamReader(_assembly.GetManifestResourceStream("MyNamespace.MyTextFile.txt"));
   }
   catch
   {
      MessageBox.Show("Error accessing resources!");
   }

Solution 4:

In Visual Studio you can directly embed access to a file resource via the Resources tab of the Project properties ("Analytics" in this example).

The resulting file can then be accessed as a byte array by

byte[] jsonSecrets = GoogleAnalyticsExtractor.Properties.Resources.client_secrets_reporter;

Should you need it as a stream, then ( from https://stackoverflow.com/a/4736185/432976 )

Stream stream = new MemoryStream(jsonSecrets)