How to compile a c++ program for use in a .net application?

Question

I'm trying to compile a program written in C++ (SuitSparse, does sparse matrix calculations). I need to compile it to be used by a csharp.net application. What's the best way to do this?

1) Compile it and reference it like any other c++ dll? 2) is there any program that can convert this to clr (or something .net would understand better) 3) ??

.net supports c++. (at least the tooltip for the .net tag on SO mentions it). — Colin D
– Colin D, Commented Aug 2, 2012 at 19:52
well, my questions is more about what's he best way to use the source code...i don't necessarily have to create a c++ dll — user1167650
– user1167650, Commented Aug 2, 2012 at 20:26
I wouldn't make a C++ DLL, I would statically link the C++ code into your C++/CLI project. — Kiril
– Kiril, Commented Aug 2, 2012 at 22:13

Community · Accepted Answer · 2017-05-23 12:29:12Z

1

You can't use C++ DLLs in C# programs, but you can use C++/CLI DLLs in C# programs. Create a C++/CLI wrapper for the C++ project and build it into a DLL.

The alternative is to use COM interfaces, as Ed S. pointed out, but I think that doesn't provide a very C#-ish library feel. It really depends on what you feel most comfortable with, I would assume C# dlls.

edited May 23, 2017 at 12:29

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answered Aug 2, 2012 at 19:46

Kiril

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7 Comments

Colin D Over a year ago

what about P/Invoke? msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa288468%28VS.71%29.aspx

Ed Swangren Over a year ago

Incorrect. You can reference native DLL's directly from a C# project if it exposes COM interfaces.

user1167650 Over a year ago

is creating the c++ dll and wrapper using the source the only way to use it from .net? (hopefully this is not too dumb of a question)

Kiril Over a year ago

@EdS. COM seems like it's not the most natural way to interact with a library, I feel like a DLL would be much more natural for a C# developer.

Kiril Over a year ago

@ColinD yes, what about P/Invoke?

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