c# - Best way to randomize an array with .NET -

what best way randomize array of strings .net? array contains 500 strings , i'd create new array same strings in random order.

please include c# example in answer.

if you're on .net 3.5, can use following ienumerable coolness (vb.net, not c#, idea should clear...):

random rnd=new random(); string[] myrandomarray = myarray.orderby(x => rnd.next()).toarray();     

edit: ok , here's corresponding vb.net code:

dim rnd new system.random dim myrandomarray = myarray.orderby(function() rnd.next) 

second edit, in response remarks system.random "isn't threadsafe" , "only suitable toy apps" due returning time-based sequence: used in example, random() thread-safe, unless you're allowing routine in randomize array re-entered, in case you'll need lock (myrandomarray) anyway in order not corrupt data, protect rnd well.

also, should well-understood system.random source of entropy isn't strong. noted in msdn documentation, should use derived system.security.cryptography.randomnumbergenerator if you're doing security-related. example:

using system.security.cryptography; 

...

rngcryptoserviceprovider rnd = new rngcryptoserviceprovider(); string[] myrandomarray = myarray.orderby(x => getnextint32(rnd)).toarray(); 

...

static int getnextint32(rngcryptoserviceprovider rnd)     {         byte[] randomint = new byte[4];         rnd.getbytes(randomint);         return convert.toint32(randomint[0]);     }