.NET Multiple Namespaces for single class

Question

Is it possible to have a single class reside within two name-spaces and how can I do this?

To clarify: We have a class library (let say root namespace is classLib1),

Answer 1

As a work around you can 'using' the class into the second namespace when you need it:

namespace classLib1.section2
{
    public myBigClass
    {

and in every file which uses it in the old namespace you can add one line

namespace classLib1.section1
{
    using myBigClass = classLib1.section2.myBigClass;

as a temporary patch-up until you've fixed this properly.

Answer 2

No, there is no way to give a single class two names (the namespace is actually just a part of the class name).

As a workaround, you could move the classes to their new location, and create thin wrappers around them at the old location (Facade Pattern). A better solution, of course, would be to move the classes and fix the legacy code accordingly.

Answer 3

Type Forwarding was introduced in .net 2.0, which means you can use the TypeForwardedToAttribute attribute to indicate that a type which was originally present in AssemblyX is now to be found in AssemblyY.

I'm fairly sure this is only appropriate/applicable if you're separating out into multiple assemblies, but is worth knowing even if not.