How to store a set in a TStringList Object?

Question

I'm trying to store a set inside the object property (and read it) of a TStringList (I will also use it to store text associated to the set) but I get a invalid typecast for the set. What's the best way to store a set inside a StringList object? Also, will this object need to be freed when destroying the StringList? Here's some example code: ``` type TDummy = (dOne, dTwo, dThree); TDummySet = set of TDummy; var DummySet: TDummySet; SL: TStringList; begin SL := TStringList.Create; Try DummySet := [dOne, dThree]; SL.AddObject('some string', TObject(DummySet)); // Doesn't work. Invalid typecast Finally SL.Free; End; end; ```

Accepted Answer

First read the other answers - probably you'll find a less hacky solution.

But FTR: You can write

```
SL.AddObject('some string', TObject(Byte(DummySet)));
```

and

```
DummySet := TDummySet(Byte(SL.Objects[0]));
```

if you really want.

Note: You'll have to change the keyword `Byte` if you add enough elements to the TDummySet type. For example, if you add six more elements (so that there is a total of nine) you need to cast to `Word`.

How to store a set in a TStringList Object?

Solution

Problem