How to compile Unsafe code in C#

Question

Hi guys

I've imported an API function like

[DllImport("gdi32.dll")]
private unsafe static extern bool SetDeviceGammaRamp(Int32 hdc, void* ramp);

while compiling its showing an error like

Unsafe code may only appear if compiling with /unsafe

how to compile with /unsafe . i'm using Microsoft Visual Studio 2008

can any one help me with a better solution.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

right click on project. properties. build. check allow unsafe code

Answer 2

Just delete the unsafe keyword from the declaration. Windows API functions like this are not unsafe. You can get rid if the awkward void* (IntPtr in managed code) like this:

    private struct RAMP {
        [MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.ByValArray, SizeConst = 256)]
        public UInt16[] Red;
        [MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.ByValArray, SizeConst = 256)]
        public UInt16[] Green;
        [MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.ByValArray, SizeConst = 256)]
        public UInt16[] Blue;
    }

    [DllImport("gdi32.dll")]
    private static extern bool SetDeviceGammaRamp(IntPtr hDC, ref RAMP lpRamp);

Also note that the first argument is a handle, an IntPtr, not an Int32. Required to make this code work on 64-bit operating systems.