Desktop Developer, "Evaluate Strings and Convert Data in .NET" by Edward G. Nilges [Visual Studio Magazine, July 2002]

Here are five methods, evaluate, string2Display, display2String, object2String, and string2Object, which allow you to evaluate strings as Basic expressions and which allow you to convert data to and from guaranteed readable forms.  The evaluate method allows you to add business rules to your application which your user can view and even change.  string2Display converts arbitrary strings, containing as needed control and international characters, to a guaranteed ASCII format which can be displayed in text boxes, and stored as XML.  object2String generalizes display2String for any object.  Use these methods to make your code better. 
