How to get the encoding type of a file?

Question

Follows code:

string text = File.ReadAllText($@"{pathname}", Encoding.UTF8);

I have several txt files with different condition. Because here shows no special characters, because different encoding.

Before running the line File.ReadAllText, how do I get the file type?

Example: ANSI, UNICODE, UTF-8, ETC...

Something like that:

if (pathname == Encoding.ASCII)
{
    string text = File.ReadAllText($@"{pathname}", Encoding.ASCII);
}
else if (pathname == Encoding.UTF8)
{
    string text = File.ReadAllText($@"{pathname}", Encoding.UTF8);
}

Answer 1

You will have to read the file to know then it probably pays to read otherwise. Using the StreamReader and read at least one part can discover with the property CurrentEncoding. But they say she can’t be trusted.

If you have difficulties with it you can try to use a library like the chardetsharp, UDE, Nchardet, Architect Shack. I don’t know them and I don’t know how trustworthy they are.

Have answers in the OS with codes that try to do the job: here, here and here.

If you want to understand more about the GOOD.

You’ll always have cases you can spot wrong.