Load DLL file and Call Functions in Python

Question

I have the problem loading the DLL file and calling the functions in Python. I have tried a lot of tutorials, but still can't figure out how it works. This is my class to export as DLL file. I use simple C# code.

namespace DemoClassLib
{
    public class cLib
    {
        public int increment(int x)
        {
            return x + 1;
        }
    }
}

After building the C# code, I get the DLL file called "DemoClassLib.dll". I use ctypes to load the DLL file. Everything is okay until now.

from ctypes import *
myDll = WinDLL('D:\\Resources\\DemoClassLib\\bin\\Debug\\DemoClassLib.dll')

Starting from that point, I can't continue. All the commands I have tried are failed.

n = c_int(1)
myDll.increment(n)

It keeps on showing me the errors. How can I call the method "increment()" in Python? And how can I pass the input and retrieve the output from that? I am very new to Python. Can someone help me please? I would be very appreciated if you can provide me the source code tutorial.

According to this question, you cannot access a .NET library with ctypes. But an alternative way could be to expose your library as a COM object and access it with win32com. — schlamar
– schlamar, Commented Jun 5, 2012 at 6:43

Iguananaut · Accepted Answer · 2012-11-05 16:38:28Z

2

You can't do this with ctypes because there is no symbol in the binary called simply "increment", as your increment method is a member of a class. Even if this were C++ the name would be mangled. But with C# you don't even get a mangled name in the symbol table because the code is interpreted by the .NET framework.

If you must for some reason interface with a C# library you may want to consider trying IronPython (http://ironpython.net/) which is Python running on the .NET framework with full access to the CLR. The comment above suggesting exposing a COM interface could also work.

answered Nov 5, 2012 at 16:38

Iguananaut

23.8k6 gold badges54 silver badges65 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Load DLL file and Call Functions in Python

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related