Like, if I write a program on windows using C# and the .NET framework, then drop the code on a Linux machine running mono, will it run exactly the same? Or would I have to rewrite it to work with Mono's libraries?
views:
182answers:
3
+2
A:
It's a cross-platform implementation of C# and the implementation is compatible with .NET.
So, I'd say it's the former of the two options that you list.
Ian P
2010-04-20 23:07:16
+3
A:
Short answer: it depends.
Longer answer: Mono'c C# compiler produces IL which is the same as what .NET produces.
The problem is with the extras; i.e. using something in .NET for which there is no Mono library available (e.g. WPF).
Another area of incompatibility is where Win32-specific APIs are used.
So, sort of is the best answer.
kmontgom
2010-04-20 23:08:07
+5
A:
will it run exactly the same? Or would I have to rewrite it to work with Mono's libraries?
This really depends on what your program does, and how it's written.
If you use pure C# and core .NET framework features that are supported on Mono, they will "just work", with no changes. However, if you use unsupported features (ie: any 3rd party libs built around native interop, or WPF, etc), they will not work.
It's a very good idea to run the Mono Migration Analyzer regularly on your assemblies as you develop them. This will tell you of any incompatibilities.
Reed Copsey
2010-04-20 23:08:36
One key note is to also test your application on Mono/Linux directly. I have one application that fails to pass MoMA, but it in fact can run fine on Mono/Linux. I will try to report such false alarm later. :)
Lex Li
2010-04-21 02:51:44
Besides, .NET application looks much different on Mono under openSUSE Linux theme :)
Lex Li
2010-04-21 02:53:10
@Lex: True (about the look), but .NET applications look very different on XP vs. a themed W7 box, too ;)
Reed Copsey
2010-04-21 18:04:00