Call C# dll from unmanaged C++ app without COM

Question

Is there a way to call c# dll from c++ unmanaged application without COM usage?

Answer 1

I might be a bit late, but check this out.

Using this little msbuild task, you can create a C# library that can be called as if it were a native DLL. (e.g. write plugins for apps that require them to be native dlls)

Oh and don't forget to use the project template, which will setup everything for you.

Answer 2

You can do this using Reverse P/Invoke - example and discussion here.

Answer 3

It is actually possible to disassemble, modify the IL, and reassemble it with exported functions. I messed with this a few years ago, and created an application that would disassemble a dll, provide a list of functions that could potentially be exported - allowing the user to select them, then re-write the IL and reassemble everything. Then, I could call directly into the dll from unmanaged code...or p-invoke into the dll from managed code (not really practical, but interesting nonetheless).

Surely there is a reason that this isn't supported in the .net languages themselves (even tho it is supported in MSIL). I wouldn't use this in production:

Dead link: http://www.csharphelp.com/2007/03/exporting-managed-code-as-unmanaged/

Wayback Machine: https://web.archive.org/web/20140213030149/http://www.csharphelp.com/2007/03/exporting-managed-code-as-unmanaged/

Answer 4

Your only option really is to either use C++.net or create a C++.net wrapper for it that exports what you need.

Calling C# code from C++