How to convert array of comma delimited values to array with unique values?

Question

I have an array of comma delimited properties:

• Red,Green
• Green
• Blue,Black
• Yellow
• Red,Black

Now I'd like to extract every unique colour from the array resulting in the following list:

• Red
• Green
• Blue
• Black
• Yellow

Since I'm extracting the information from a database with Entity Framework in quite a complex structure I'd like to do the conversion in one statement if possible.

Answer 1

Assuming your array of properties is like:

string[] properties = {"Red,Green","Green","Blue,Black","Yellow","Red,Black"};

you should split on comma and select the distinct values in this way:

string[] unique = properties.SelectMany(x=>x.Split(',')).Distinct().ToArray();