Is there a way to view .NET Framework library source code online?

Question

...or do I need Studio to view it?

Answer 1

You can view library source code if you have the framework DLLs and .NET Reflector. This is likely to be the easiest solution if you can not find it online.

Answer 2

The .Net framework isn't open source, so being online isn't the limiting factor here.

You can use Reflector to decompile pieces of it or look at Mono for an open source re-implementation and neither requires Visual Studio.

Is there a reason that you want to look at the framework's source?

Answer 3

The code for much of the .NET Framework libraries have been released:

http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2007/10/03/releasing-the-source-code-for-the-net-framework-libraries.aspx

[Edit] I'll be the 1st one to say: I LOVE .NET Reflector, but it emits decompiled intermediate language, NOT original source code. I highly recommend Reflector but it's very important to remember the true nature of what you're viewing with it.

Answer 4

There are several ways to look at source code from the .NET framework and the BCL (or approximations to it). All of them can be used independently of Visual Studio (with varying degrees of difficulty), if you want.

• Enable reference source debugging in Visual Studio or use a cunning app to download all the reference source.

• Download the Shared Source Common Language Infrastructure 2.0 Release from Microsoft containing the BCL implementation.

• Use Reflector from Red Gate.
  This approach doesn't actually show you the original source, it shows you an interpretation of the IL in a language of your choice.

Answer 5

No, you cannot view .NET Framework library source code online. See the other answers posted on this thread for alternate methods of viewing the source code.

Answer 6

please see this URL: http://labs.developerfusion.co.uk/SourceViewer/browse.aspx?assembly=SSCLI CLI online source code viewer is it something you were looking for?