Converting collections with MapToList()

The MapToList<TSource, TTarget>() method allows you to transform a collection of source objects into a new list of destination instances.
It follows the same logic as MapTo<T>(), automatically applying conversions based on matching property names and compatible types.

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When to use

This method is ideal when converting DTO lists from APIs, commands, events, or any intermediate layer into domain entities.

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Practical example

public class UserDto
{
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public string Role { get; set; } // will be converted to enum
}

public enum UserRole
{
    Administrator,
    Operator
}

public class User
{
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public UserRole Role { get; set; }
}

Converting a list of UserDto to User:

var dtoList = new List<UserDto>
{
    new UserDto { Name = "Anna", Role = "Administrator" },
    new UserDto { Name = "John", Role = "Operator" }
};

var users = dtoList.MapToList<UserDto, User>();

Each item in the list is converted using the same mapping rules as MapTo<T>().

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Benefits

• Simple and direct batch conversion
• Reuses the same compiled expression cache used by MapTo<T>()
• No need for manual foreach loops or external libraries

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Considerations

• The source list cannot be null (throws exception)
• The target type must have a public parameterless constructor
• Conversions follow the same rules as MapTo<T>()

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Fast and predictable

MapToList<TSource, TTarget>() is ideal for data pipelines, bulk transformations, and API input layers.