How can I copy a string to the clipboard within my console application WITHOUT adding a reference to System.Windows.Forms?

Question

I have a .NET 4.0 console application that generates SQL and stores it in a string variable. I want this string to be copied directly to the clipboard.

So far, all m

Answer 1

The Marshal.StringToHGlobalUni function actually allocates memory in a fashion unsuitable for SetClipboardData (using LocalAlloc with LMEM_FIXED), which can cause crashes (you wouldn't expect it given the method name, but stepping into the code e.g. using ReSharper reveals this).

SetClipboardData requires GlobalAlloc with GMEM_MOVABLE according to the documentation: SetClipboardData on MSDN.

Here's an MIT licensed System.Windows.Forms alternative, tested and complete with error handling: Clippy

(The clipboard pushing code itself is to be found here: Clippy.cs.)