Importing C methods/classes into a C# project

Question

I have some c headers, and a c lib that I'd like to import and use in a c# project. How can I do this?

score 4 · Answer 1 · answered Apr 03 '09 at 20:48

4

Use [System.Runtime.InteropServices.DllImport] attribute (P/Invoke):

[DllImport("dllname.dll")]
static extern void MyFunctionName();

answered Apr 03 '09 at 20:48

Mehrdad Afshari

I don't have a dll, just a lib, and a few headers – Malfist Apr 03 '09 at 20:51
You'll need to build that lib into a dll then. You can't link the lib directly into your C# program that I'm aware of. – Joel Coehoorn Apr 03 '09 at 20:52
Can't you create a DLL from the lib in C? It's not possible to call static C libraries directly. You might also take a look at C++/CLI in that case. – Mehrdad Afshari Apr 03 '09 at 20:52
I don't know, I didn't compile it. I suppose I could, and see what happens. – Malfist Apr 03 '09 at 20:54
You may have to wrap it up in a dll. – ojblass Apr 03 '09 at 21:15

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 03 '09 at 20:51

2

What Mehrdad said.

Additionally, welcome to the wonderful world of marshalling. P/Invoke.Net is your new best friend.

answered Apr 03 '09 at 20:51

Joel Coehoorn

2 Answers2