How C++ can import a DLL made in C#?

Answer 1

Most of what you need can be found here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/x0w2664k%28VS.80%29.aspx

Primarily, you need to learn about the /clr switch for C++ compilation. Then you need to understand the C++ extensions that Microsoft added to allow for mixed assemblies. (A C++ "pointer" to a managed class would use p^ instead of p*, and so on.)

Answer 2

John Fisher's approach using C++/CLI is by far the easiest means of handling this, but it is not the only means.

The other three options are:

1) Use COM interop to wrap the .NET class via COM

2) You can host the CLR in your native, unmanaged application, and call into it. For details, see this article.

3) You can host the Mono runtime, and use it to call your managed code. For details on this, see this page.

Option 2 and 3 are very similar, but IMO, 3 is easier than 2.

Answer 3

Here is an interesting article on how you should be able to accomplish this without using the /CLR option

http://www.codeproject.com/KB/cs/ManagedCOM.aspx

Works pretty well.

Answer 4

First of all, it is possible and you do not "have" to use CLI or the /clr switch. Using the good old COM architecture you can do it pretty easily http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/zsfww439.aspx. Understanding the way COM works might be the biggest challenge here, but it's usefull once you know it.