Analyzing a .Net application without VisualStudio

Question

Is there a simple, free way to analyze .Net code (set breakpoint, see stack traces, see running threads) without Visual Studio? Note that I don't need to compile the code, just analyze how it works. I have both source code and binaries but I don't have a Visual Studio license. Unfortunately, the solution file gives several error when I try Visual Studio Express.

EDIT: I may be able to get most of the projects in the solution to load, but I don't see an option for "Debug|Attach to process". Is this not available in Visual Studio Express?

Answer 1

Windbg, allthough its probably too low level for you.

Answer 2

You're probably missing some required DLLs, causing VS Express to give you an error.

Please post the exact error message(s).

Answer 3

Have you tried SharpDevelop?

Answer 4

If I remember right, MonoDevelop is free, runs on Windows, and supports debugging. I'm not sure if this only works with some languages, but you can give it a go!

Edit: Just checked, and MonoDevelop supports debugging of managed code in its Windows version.

Answer 5

if you want to statically peek at it dont forget reflector http://www.red-gate.com/products/reflector/

the worlds best source browser - and it doesnt even need the source

Answer 6

Visual Studio Shell (Integrated Mode) allows you to attach to a process. This edition is basically:

• Does not include any support for particular languages, but
• Allows extensions to be installed to, for example, add support for a new language
• Allows you to attach to a process using the managed or native code debugger