.NET HELP

C# Reverse String (How It Works For Developers)

Chipego Kalinda

Updated:July 28, 2025

String manipulation is a fundamental aspect of programming, and one common task is reversing an input string. In C#, there are several ways to accomplish this task, such as using a while loop, each with its advantages, disadvantages, and best use cases. In this article, we will explore various methods to reverse a string or character array in C#, along with code examples for different scenarios and edge cases. Also, we will introduce an outstanding PDF generation library called IronPDF from Iron Software.

1. Using Built-in Functions

C# provides several built-in functions for string manipulation, and one of them is Array.Reverse(), which can be used to reverse an array of characters or a char array representing a string. Here's a code example of the reverse method:

public class Program
{
    // Main method: entry point of the program
    public static void Main()
    {
        string original = "AwesomeIronPDF"; // String variable
        char[] charArray = original.ToCharArray(); // Convert string to character array
        Array.Reverse(charArray); // Reverse the character array
        string reversed = new string(charArray); // Create a new reversed string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
    }
}

public class Program
{
    // Main method: entry point of the program
    public static void Main()
    {
        string original = "AwesomeIronPDF"; // String variable
        char[] charArray = original.ToCharArray(); // Convert string to character array
        Array.Reverse(charArray); // Reverse the character array
        string reversed = new string(charArray); // Create a new reversed string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
    }
}

Public Class Program
	' Main method: entry point of the program
	Public Shared Sub Main()
		Dim original As String = "AwesomeIronPDF" ' String variable
		Dim charArray() As Char = original.ToCharArray() ' Convert string to character array
		Array.Reverse(charArray) ' Reverse the character array
		Dim reversed As New String(charArray) ' Create a new reversed string
		Console.WriteLine(reversed) ' Output: FDPnorIemosewA
	End Sub
End Class

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

Advantages

Simple and concise code.
Utilizes built-in functions, reducing the need for custom implementation.

Disadvantages

Requires converting the string to a character array, which consumes additional memory.
Not suitable for scenarios where performance is critical.

2. Using a `StringBuilder`

Another approach to reverse a string in C# is by utilizing the StringBuilder class, which provides efficient string manipulation operations. Here's how you can use StringBuilder to reverse a string:

public class Program
{
    // Main method: entry point of the program
    public static void Main()
    {
        string someText = "AwesomeIronPDF"; // String variable
        StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder(); // Create a StringBuilder instance
        for (int i = someText.Length - 1; i >= 0; i--)
        {
            sb.Append(someText[i]); // Append characters in reverse order
        }
        string reversed = sb.ToString(); // Convert StringBuilder to string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
    }
}

public class Program
{
    // Main method: entry point of the program
    public static void Main()
    {
        string someText = "AwesomeIronPDF"; // String variable
        StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder(); // Create a StringBuilder instance
        for (int i = someText.Length - 1; i >= 0; i--)
        {
            sb.Append(someText[i]); // Append characters in reverse order
        }
        string reversed = sb.ToString(); // Convert StringBuilder to string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
    }
}

Public Class Program
	' Main method: entry point of the program
	Public Shared Sub Main()
		Dim someText As String = "AwesomeIronPDF" ' String variable
		Dim sb As New StringBuilder() ' Create a StringBuilder instance
		For i As Integer = someText.Length - 1 To 0 Step -1
			sb.Append(someText.Chars(i)) ' Append characters in reverse order
		Next i
		Dim reversed As String = sb.ToString() ' Convert StringBuilder to string
		Console.WriteLine(reversed) ' Output: FDPnorIemosewA
	End Sub
End Class

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

Advantages

Efficient memory usage, especially for large strings.
Suitable for scenarios where performance is crucial.

Disadvantages

Requires manual iteration over the characters of the original string.
Slightly more verbose compared to using built-in functions.

3. Recursive Approach

A recursive approach can also be used to reverse a string in C#. This method involves recursively swapping characters from both ends of the string until the entire string is reversed. Here's an implementation:

public class Program
{
    // Main method: entry point of the program
    public static void Main()
    {
        string someText = "AwesomeIronPDF"; // Random string
        string reversed = ReverseString(someText); // Reverse a string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
    }

    // Recursive method to reverse a string
    public static string ReverseString(string str) 
    {
        if (str.Length <= 1)
            return str;
        return ReverseString(str.Substring(1)) + str[0]; // Recursive call and string concatenation
    }
}

public class Program
{
    // Main method: entry point of the program
    public static void Main()
    {
        string someText = "AwesomeIronPDF"; // Random string
        string reversed = ReverseString(someText); // Reverse a string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
    }

    // Recursive method to reverse a string
    public static string ReverseString(string str) 
    {
        if (str.Length <= 1)
            return str;
        return ReverseString(str.Substring(1)) + str[0]; // Recursive call and string concatenation
    }
}

Public Class Program
	' Main method: entry point of the program
	Public Shared Sub Main()
		Dim someText As String = "AwesomeIronPDF" ' Random string
		Dim reversed As String = ReverseString(someText) ' Reverse a string
		Console.WriteLine(reversed) ' Output: FDPnorIemosewA
	End Sub

	' Recursive method to reverse a string
	Public Shared Function ReverseString(ByVal str As String) As String
		If str.Length <= 1 Then
			Return str
		End If
		Return ReverseString(str.Substring(1)) + str.Chars(0) ' Recursive call and string concatenation
	End Function
End Class

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

Advantages

Elegant and concise code.
Can be useful in scenarios where recursion is preferred or required.

Disadvantages

May result in stack overflow for extremely long strings due to recursive function calls.
Less efficient compared to iterative approaches, especially for large strings.

Edge Cases

When reversing strings, it's essential to consider edge cases to ensure robustness and correctness. Some edge cases to consider include:

Empty string: Handling scenarios where the input string is empty.
Null string: Handling scenarios where the input string is null.
Strings with special characters: Ensuring that special characters are correctly handled during reversal.

Generate PDF Document Using C# String Reverse Method

IronPDF excels in HTML to PDF conversion, ensuring precise preservation of original layouts and styles. It's perfect for creating PDFs from web-based content such as reports, invoices, and documentation. With support for HTML files, URLs, and raw HTML strings, IronPDF easily produces high-quality PDF documents.

using IronPdf;

class Program
{
    // Main method: entry point of the program
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer(); // Create a PDF renderer

        // 1. Convert HTML String to PDF
        var htmlContent = "<h1>Hello, IronPDF!</h1><p>This is a PDF from an HTML string.</p>";
        var pdfFromHtmlString = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent); // Render HTML to PDF
        pdfFromHtmlString.SaveAs("HTMLStringToPDF.pdf"); // Save the PDF file

        // 2. Convert HTML File to PDF
        var htmlFilePath = "path_to_your_html_file.html"; // Specify the path to your HTML file
        var pdfFromHtmlFile = renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdf(htmlFilePath); // Render HTML file to PDF
        pdfFromHtmlFile.SaveAs("HTMLFileToPDF.pdf"); // Save the PDF file

        // 3. Convert URL to PDF
        var url = "http://ironpdf.com"; // Specify the URL
        var pdfFromUrl = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf(url); // Render URL to PDF
        pdfFromUrl.SaveAs("URLToPDF.pdf"); // Save the PDF file
    }
}

using IronPdf;

class Program
{
    // Main method: entry point of the program
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer(); // Create a PDF renderer

        // 1. Convert HTML String to PDF
        var htmlContent = "<h1>Hello, IronPDF!</h1><p>This is a PDF from an HTML string.</p>";
        var pdfFromHtmlString = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent); // Render HTML to PDF
        pdfFromHtmlString.SaveAs("HTMLStringToPDF.pdf"); // Save the PDF file

        // 2. Convert HTML File to PDF
        var htmlFilePath = "path_to_your_html_file.html"; // Specify the path to your HTML file
        var pdfFromHtmlFile = renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdf(htmlFilePath); // Render HTML file to PDF
        pdfFromHtmlFile.SaveAs("HTMLFileToPDF.pdf"); // Save the PDF file

        // 3. Convert URL to PDF
        var url = "http://ironpdf.com"; // Specify the URL
        var pdfFromUrl = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf(url); // Render URL to PDF
        pdfFromUrl.SaveAs("URLToPDF.pdf"); // Save the PDF file
    }
}

Imports IronPdf

Friend Class Program
	' Main method: entry point of the program
	Shared Sub Main(ByVal args() As String)
		Dim renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer() ' Create a PDF renderer

		' 1. Convert HTML String to PDF
		Dim htmlContent = "<h1>Hello, IronPDF!</h1><p>This is a PDF from an HTML string.</p>"
		Dim pdfFromHtmlString = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent) ' Render HTML to PDF
		pdfFromHtmlString.SaveAs("HTMLStringToPDF.pdf") ' Save the PDF file

		' 2. Convert HTML File to PDF
		Dim htmlFilePath = "path_to_your_html_file.html" ' Specify the path to your HTML file
		Dim pdfFromHtmlFile = renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdf(htmlFilePath) ' Render HTML file to PDF
		pdfFromHtmlFile.SaveAs("HTMLFileToPDF.pdf") ' Save the PDF file

		' 3. Convert URL to PDF
		Dim url = "http://ironpdf.com" ' Specify the URL
		Dim pdfFromUrl = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf(url) ' Render URL to PDF
		pdfFromUrl.SaveAs("URLToPDF.pdf") ' Save the PDF file
	End Sub
End Class

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

Start by creating a Console application from Visual Studio.

C# Reverse String (How It Works For Developers): Figure 1 - Console App

Provide the Project name and Location.

C# Reverse String (How It Works For Developers): Figure 2 - Project Configuration

Select the .NET version.

C# Reverse String (How It Works For Developers): Figure 3 - Target Framework

Install IronPDF to the created project.

C# Reverse String (How It Works For Developers): Figure 4 - IronPDF

It can also be done using the command line below.

dotnet add package IronPdf --version 2024.4.2

Write the below code to demonstrate String Reverse.

public class Program
{
    // Main method: entry point of the program
    public static void Main()
    {
        var content = "<h1>Demonstrate IronPDF with C# LinkedList</h1>";
        content += "<h2>1. Using Array.Reverse Method</h2>";
        string someText = "AwesomeIronPDF"; // New string variable
        content += $"<p>Input String: {someText}</p>";
        char[] charArray = someText.ToCharArray(); // Convert string to character array
        Array.Reverse(charArray); // Reverse the character array
        string reversed1 = new string(charArray); // Create a new reversed string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed1); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
        content += $"<p>Output: {reversed1}</p>";
        content += "<h2>2. Using StringBuilder</h2>";
        StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder(); // Create a StringBuilder instance
        content += $"<p>Input String: {someText}</p>";
        for (int i = someText.Length - 1; i >= 0; i--)
        {
            sb.Append(someText[i]); // Append characters in reverse order
        }
        string reversed2 = sb.ToString(); // Convert StringBuilder to string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed2); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
        content += $"<p>Output: {reversed2}</p>";
        content += "<h2>3. Using Recursive Approach</h2>";
        content += $"<p>Input String: {someText}</p>";
        string reversed3 = ReverseString(someText); // Reverse a string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed3); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
        content += $"<p>Output: {reversed3}</p>";
        // Create Renderer
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer(); // Create a PDF renderer
        // Create a PDF from HTML string
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(content); // Render HTML to PDF
        // Save to a file or Stream
        pdf.SaveAs("reverseString.pdf"); // Save the PDF file
    }

    // Recursive method to reverse a string
    public static string ReverseString(string str)
    {
        if (str.Length <= 1)
            return str;
        return ReverseString(str.Substring(1)) + str[0]; // Recursive call and string concatenation
    }
}

public class Program
{
    // Main method: entry point of the program
    public static void Main()
    {
        var content = "<h1>Demonstrate IronPDF with C# LinkedList</h1>";
        content += "<h2>1. Using Array.Reverse Method</h2>";
        string someText = "AwesomeIronPDF"; // New string variable
        content += $"<p>Input String: {someText}</p>";
        char[] charArray = someText.ToCharArray(); // Convert string to character array
        Array.Reverse(charArray); // Reverse the character array
        string reversed1 = new string(charArray); // Create a new reversed string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed1); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
        content += $"<p>Output: {reversed1}</p>";
        content += "<h2>2. Using StringBuilder</h2>";
        StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder(); // Create a StringBuilder instance
        content += $"<p>Input String: {someText}</p>";
        for (int i = someText.Length - 1; i >= 0; i--)
        {
            sb.Append(someText[i]); // Append characters in reverse order
        }
        string reversed2 = sb.ToString(); // Convert StringBuilder to string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed2); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
        content += $"<p>Output: {reversed2}</p>";
        content += "<h2>3. Using Recursive Approach</h2>";
        content += $"<p>Input String: {someText}</p>";
        string reversed3 = ReverseString(someText); // Reverse a string
        Console.WriteLine(reversed3); // Output: FDPnorIemosewA
        content += $"<p>Output: {reversed3}</p>";
        // Create Renderer
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer(); // Create a PDF renderer
        // Create a PDF from HTML string
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(content); // Render HTML to PDF
        // Save to a file or Stream
        pdf.SaveAs("reverseString.pdf"); // Save the PDF file
    }

    // Recursive method to reverse a string
    public static string ReverseString(string str)
    {
        if (str.Length <= 1)
            return str;
        return ReverseString(str.Substring(1)) + str[0]; // Recursive call and string concatenation
    }
}

Public Class Program
	' Main method: entry point of the program
	Public Shared Sub Main()
		Dim content = "<h1>Demonstrate IronPDF with C# LinkedList</h1>"
		content &= "<h2>1. Using Array.Reverse Method</h2>"
		Dim someText As String = "AwesomeIronPDF" ' New string variable
		content &= $"<p>Input String: {someText}</p>"
		Dim charArray() As Char = someText.ToCharArray() ' Convert string to character array
		Array.Reverse(charArray) ' Reverse the character array
		Dim reversed1 As New String(charArray) ' Create a new reversed string
		Console.WriteLine(reversed1) ' Output: FDPnorIemosewA
		content &= $"<p>Output: {reversed1}</p>"
		content &= "<h2>2. Using StringBuilder</h2>"
		Dim sb As New StringBuilder() ' Create a StringBuilder instance
		content &= $"<p>Input String: {someText}</p>"
		For i As Integer = someText.Length - 1 To 0 Step -1
			sb.Append(someText.Chars(i)) ' Append characters in reverse order
		Next i
		Dim reversed2 As String = sb.ToString() ' Convert StringBuilder to string
		Console.WriteLine(reversed2) ' Output: FDPnorIemosewA
		content &= $"<p>Output: {reversed2}</p>"
		content &= "<h2>3. Using Recursive Approach</h2>"
		content &= $"<p>Input String: {someText}</p>"
		Dim reversed3 As String = ReverseString(someText) ' Reverse a string
		Console.WriteLine(reversed3) ' Output: FDPnorIemosewA
		content &= $"<p>Output: {reversed3}</p>"
		' Create Renderer
		Dim renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer() ' Create a PDF renderer
		' Create a PDF from HTML string
		Dim pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(content) ' Render HTML to PDF
		' Save to a file or Stream
		pdf.SaveAs("reverseString.pdf") ' Save the PDF file
	End Sub

	' Recursive method to reverse a string
	Public Shared Function ReverseString(ByVal str As String) As String
		If str.Length <= 1 Then
			Return str
		End If
		Return ReverseString(str.Substring(1)) + str.Chars(0) ' Recursive call and string concatenation
	End Function
End Class

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

Output

C# Reverse String (How It Works For Developers): Figure 5 - PDF Output

License (Trial Available for IronPDF)

IronPDF library requires a license to execute applications. More info can be found on the IronPDF Licensing Information page.

A trial license can be obtained from the IronPDF Trial License page.

Paste the Key in the appSettings.json file below.

{
  "IronPdf.License.LicenseKey": "The Key Goes Here"
}

Conclusion

Reversing a string in C# is a common programming task with various approaches and considerations. Whether you prefer built-in functions, StringBuilder, or recursive methods, each approach has its advantages, disadvantages, and best use cases. By understanding these methods and considering edge cases, you can effectively reverse strings in C# in a manner that suits your specific requirements. Choose the method that best fits your requirements based on performance, memory usage, and handling of special characters.

With the IronPDF library for C# PDF operations, developers can gain advanced skills to develop modern applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a simple method to reverse a string in C#?

A simple method to reverse a string in C# is by using the built-in Array.Reverse() method. Convert the string to a character array, reverse the array, and then convert it back to a string.

What are the advantages of using Array.Reverse() for reversing a string?

The advantages of using Array.Reverse() include simple and concise code and the utilization of built-in functions, which reduces the need for a custom implementation.

How can I reverse a string using StringBuilder in C#?

To reverse a string using StringBuilder, iterate through the string in reverse order, appending each character to a StringBuilder object, and then convert the StringBuilder to a string.

What are the disadvantages of using a recursive approach to reverse a string in C#?

The recursive approach may result in a stack overflow for very long strings due to recursive function calls, and it is less efficient compared to iterative methods.

Why might you choose StringBuilder over Array.Reverse() for reversing strings?

You might choose StringBuilder over Array.Reverse() for better memory efficiency and performance, especially when working with large strings.

What are some edge cases to consider when reversing strings in C#?

Edge cases include handling empty strings, null strings, and strings with special characters to ensure proper reversal.

How can I incorporate PDF generation while working with C# string reversal?

IronPDF can be used to generate PDF documents that include content created from reversing strings in C#, such as generating PDF files from HTML strings that demonstrate string reversal.

What is the purpose of using a PDF generation library in C# applications?

A PDF generation library like IronPDF is used in C# applications to convert HTML, URLs, or raw HTML strings into high-quality PDF documents, preserving layouts and styles.

How do you install a PDF library in a C# project?

A PDF library like IronPDF can be installed in a C# project using the NuGet package manager with the command: 'dotnet add package IronPdf --version 2024.4.2'.

Is a license required to use a PDF generation library like IronPDF?

Yes, a license is required for execution. A trial license can be obtained for evaluation purposes.

Chipego Kalinda

Chat with engineering team now

Software Engineer

Chipego has a natural skill for listening that helps him to comprehend customer issues, and offer intelligent solutions. He joined the Iron Software team in 2023, after studying a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. IronPDF and IronOCR are the two products Chipego has been focusing on, but his knowledge of all products is growing daily, as he finds new ways to support customers. He enjoys how collaborative life is at Iron Software, with team members from across the company bringing their varied experience to contribute to effective, innovative solutions. When Chipego is away from his desk, he can often be found enjoying a good book or playing football.

Xdocument C# (How It Works For Developers)

C# Linked List (How It Works For Developers)

Customer Highlight:

Developer Spotlight:

Webinars:

C# Reverse String (How It Works For Developers)

1. Using Built-in Functions

Advantages

Disadvantages

2. Using a `StringBuilder`

Advantages

Disadvantages

3. Recursive Approach

Advantages

Disadvantages

Edge Cases

Generate PDF Document Using C# String Reverse Method

Output

License (Trial Available for IronPDF)

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a simple method to reverse a string in C#?

What are the advantages of using Array.Reverse() for reversing a string?

How can I reverse a string using StringBuilder in C#?

What are the disadvantages of using a recursive approach to reverse a string in C#?

Why might you choose StringBuilder over Array.Reverse() for reversing strings?

What are some edge cases to consider when reversing strings in C#?

How can I incorporate PDF generation while working with C# string reversal?

What is the purpose of using a PDF generation library in C# applications?

How do you install a PDF library in a C# project?

Is a license required to use a PDF generation library like IronPDF?

Ready to Get Started?

Start Free 30 Day Trial

C# Reverse String (How It Works For Developers)

1. Using Built-in Functions

Advantages

Disadvantages

2. Using a StringBuilder

Advantages

Disadvantages

3. Recursive Approach

Advantages

Disadvantages

Edge Cases

Generate PDF Document Using C# String Reverse Method

Output

License (Trial Available for IronPDF)

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a simple method to reverse a string in C#?

What are the advantages of using Array.Reverse() for reversing a string?

How can I reverse a string using StringBuilder in C#?

What are the disadvantages of using a recursive approach to reverse a string in C#?

Why might you choose StringBuilder over Array.Reverse() for reversing strings?

What are some edge cases to consider when reversing strings in C#?

How can I incorporate PDF generation while working with C# string reversal?

What is the purpose of using a PDF generation library in C# applications?

How do you install a PDF library in a C# project?

Is a license required to use a PDF generation library like IronPDF?

Related Articles

C# Switch Pattern Matching (How it Works for Developers)

C# Integer Division (How it Works for Developers)

C# Discriminated Unions (How it Works for Developers)

Ready to Get Started?

Next step: Start free 30-day Trial

Next step: Start free 30-day Trial

Trusted by Over 2 Million Engineers Worldwide

2. Using a `StringBuilder`