How Can I Efficiently Get a Variable's Name in C#?

Determining Variable Names with Reflection

Identifying variable names through reflection can be a complex task. While IL code lacks explicit variable names, there are alternative methods to retrieve them.

Approach via Expression Trees

One approach involves utilizing expression trees. By promoting variables to closures, it's possible to obtain their names through expression bodies:

static string GetVariableName<T>(Expression<Func<T>> expr)
{
    var body = (MemberExpression)expr.Body;

    return body.Member.Name;
}

Usage:

static void Main()
{
    var someVar = 3;

    Console.Write(GetVariableName(() => someVar));
}

Drawbacks of Expression Trees

However, this approach is rather slow and should be avoided in performance-intensive scenarios. It entails the creation of multiple objects, GC pressure, and extensive reflection.

Nameof Keyword (C# 6.0 and Above)

With the introduction of the nameof keyword in C# 6.0, a more efficient method emerged:

static void Main()
{
    var someVar = 3;

    Console.Write(nameof(someVar));
}

This approach provides convenience and incurs minimal performance overhead.

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