how to run a winform from console application?

Question

How do I create, execute and control a winform from within a console application?

Answer 1

The easiest option is to start a windows forms project, then change the output-type to Console Application. Alternatively, just add a reference to System.Windows.Forms.dll, and start coding:

[STAThread]
static void Main() {
    Application.EnableVisualStyles();
    Application.Run(new Form()); // or whatever
}

The important bit is the [STAThread] on your Main() method, required for full COM support.

Answer 2

You can create a winform project in VS2005/ VS2008 and then change its properties to be a command line application. It can then be started from the command line, but will still open a winform.

Answer 3

You should be able to use the Application class in the same way as Winform apps do. Probably the easiest way to start a new project is to do what Marc suggested: create a new Winform project, and then change it in the options to a console application

Answer 4

Here is the best method that I've found: First, set your projects output type to "Windows Application", then P/Invoke AllocConsole to create a console window.

internal static class NativeMethods
{
    [DllImport("kernel32.dll")]
    internal static extern Boolean AllocConsole();
}

static class Program
{

    static void Main(string[] args) {
        if (args.Length == 0) {
            // run as windows app
            Application.EnableVisualStyles();
            Application.Run(new Form1()); 
        } else {
            // run as console app
            NativeMethods.AllocConsole();
            Console.WriteLine("Hello World");
            Console.ReadLine();
        }
    }

}

-bill

Answer 5

Only Bill's answer ( AllowConsole ) will work, and only on XP or above. In Windows an application has a GUI or a console; you have create a new console to do what you want.