C# run time class creation

Question

I'm new to C# and I heard that is possible to create classes at run time. Is this true? If it's true can you give me a simple example on how to do it? I want to create a class from a configuration file at run time to use it as SelectedObject in PropertyGrid control.

Thanks for help!

You want to create a new Class at runtime? or a new instance of a class type known at runtime? — The Scrum Meister, Feb 05 '11 at 08:08
I want a new class, with new members and new methods. All of them added at run time. I don't know if this is possible. — Mircea Ispas, Feb 05 '11 at 08:10
Do you really want a new class? Or do you just want to display arbitrary data in a property grid? If so, there are easier ways. — Roger Lipscombe, Feb 05 '11 at 08:20

score 3 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:04

You can, with TypeBuilder - but this is not trivial stuff; you are essentially writing low-level things like IL at runtime. I do this occasionally, but I'm a bit crazy. The two may be related.

For what you want (PropertyGrid) a simpler option is to provide runtime properties via PropertyDescriptor; I have several such "property bag" examples here on stackoverflow. Here's one such example: .Net Property Grid. Is there a way to let the Grid manipulate object in different way

But even that is work compared to the simplest option: use a DataTable; add the columns you want and a single row, and pass the row's twin from the table's DefaultView to the PropertyGrid.

Thanks @Cody - fat fingers this am – Marc Gravell Feb 05 '11 at 08:33 — Marc Gravell, Feb 05 '11 at 08:33

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 05 '11 at 08:20

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What you actually want to do is display arbitrary data in a PropertyGrid. You don't need to create a new class for this. You can just use a custom type descriptor.

Check this out.

answered Feb 05 '11 at 08:20

Roger Lipscombe

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Actually, you don't even need a full descriptor; a converter by itself can do this. – Marc Gravell Feb 05 '11 at 08:24

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Feb 05 '11 at 08:16

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You can do this using the TypeBuilder class. The linked MSDN documentation has an example.

answered Feb 05 '11 at 08:16

score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Feb 05 '11 at 08:19

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I think what you're after is dynamic source code generation which allows you to create classes etc at runtime. Link includes samples.

answered Feb 05 '11 at 08:19

escouser

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C# run time class creation

4 Answers4