Creating C++ Dll, and call it from C#

Question

In my project I got a device which comes with C++ Sample codes. The codes are ok and the device is working as expected.

But I need it to talk with my C# interface because all other devices are currently using C# interface.

So I am planning to create a DLL Wrapper for the driver. I will create a C++ Library of my own (from source code with proper interface) and Call this C++ Library from C# using DLLImport (just call my interfaces there.).

I am pretty sure it can be done this way, but I have never created a C++ Library and used it from C# yet. So, can anyone refer me to some tutorial that goes with my problem?

I am using C++/C# int VS.NET 2008.

Regards, Maksud

Answer 1

check MSDN here: DLLs

and here: DllImports

Answer 2

Depending on the DLL and what you need to do you may not need to create a wrapper directly. You might be able to get away with P/Invoke for the functions. You will need to evaluate your specific needs and what is already available in the libraries/code provided.

Answer 3

Another useful tool you have at your disposal is C++ CLI.

You can use C++ CLI to create an intermediate library - one that exposes managed classes but runs unmanaged C++ code. You can actually mix managed and unmanaged C++ in the same DLL.

The unmanaged portion can accesses the unmanaged DLLs without having to use the PInvoke functions.

Your C# code can access the managed classes in this intermediate library.

Answer 4

And yet another article about platform invoke: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa288468%28VS.71%29.aspx

Answer 5

Have a look at
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/315051/using-a-class-defined-in-a-c-dll-in-c-code