[API Proposal]: Please add a method to the C# library to copy a directory with all its contents

[aks2161989]

Currently C# does not have an inbuilt method to copy a directory and all its contents. To achieve this task, one needs to write code for it. An example is given on the MSDN website.

What is strange, however, is that VB.NET already has an inbuilt method which allows you to achieve this task in one line. Sure, one can add a reference to Microsoft.VisualBasic in their C# project and call the VB.NET method, but I am sure most C# developers would appreciate if such a method were to be incorporated in the language itself.

What's more is that C# has long tried to compete with Java and has succeeded in many aspects. However, Java already has inbuilt methods to copy a directory and its contents and does not require extra work to achieve this. If such a feature were to be added to C#, it would definitely enhance the competitiveness of the language.

[dotnet-issue-labeler]

I couldn't figure out the best area label to add to this issue. If you have write-permissions please help me learn by adding exactly one area label.

[teo-tsirpanis]

Hello, adding such reference is no longer needed in C# projects that target modern .NET. You can add a using Microsoft.VisualBasic.FileIO in your code straight away without changing your project file.

[ghost]

Tagging subscribers to this area: @dotnet/area-system-io
See info in area-owners.md if you want to be subscribed.

Issue Details

---

Currently C# does not have an inbuilt method to copy a directory and all its contents. To achieve this task, one needs to write code for it. An example is given on the MSDN website.

What is strange, however, is that VB.NET already has an inbuilt method which allows you to achieve this task in one line. Sure, one can add a reference to Microsoft.VisualBasic in their C# project and call the VB.NET method, but I am sure most C# developers would appreciate if such a method were to be incorporated in the language itself.

What's more is that C# has long tried to compete with Java and has succeeded in many aspects. However, Java already has inbuilt methods to copy a directory and its contents and does not require extra work to achieve this. If such a feature were to be added to C#, it would definitely enhance the competitiveness of the language.

Author:	aks2161989
Assignees:	-
Labels:	area-System.IO, untriaged
Milestone:	-

[svick]

This is a duplicate of #60903.

[adamsitnik]

@aks2161989 Thank you for your proposal. Since this is a duplicate, I am going to close the issue. Please follow #60903 for updates.