Using a list when the count can change

A list is like an array that can grow. You do not have to know the final count when you create it.

Adding and removing

System.Collections.Generic.List<string> names =
    new System.Collections.Generic.List<string>();

names.Add("Ada");
names.Add("Grace");
names.Remove("Ada");

int howMany = names.Count;

Why lists are usually the better default

• You can keep adding items without resizing anything by hand.
• The count property always tells you the current size.
• You can still reach an item by its position when you need to.

When you need to find a value by its name rather than its position, move on to the dictionary lesson.