How to deploy a C# application while including third-party DLL files?

Question

To start with, I don't know much of deployment. I hope my question makes sense.

I need to install/deploy a C# application to a number of desktops. It needs a third-party DLL file: A C++ library ("lpsolve55.dll", for those interested, it is a free MIP/LP solver, see lpsolve.sourceforge.net/5.5/). I use it in my code in the following way:

    [DllImport("lpsolve55.dll", SetLastError = true)]
    public static extern bool add_column(int lp, double[] column);

For testing, I have manually copied the .dll file to to project\bin\release, and it works fine.

My question: I will need an installer for the application, which will manage that the .dll will install as well. I am considering ClickOnce deployment since I am using Visual C# 2008 Express Edition, but any not too expensive solution will do.

What would you advice?

Answer 1

Just add your DLL to the project within Visual Studio.

• Right click project in Solution Viewer
• Select Add - Existing Item
• Browse to the DLL and click Add or the little arrow next to the Add button and Add as Link
• Select your DLL in the Solution Viewer
• Right click it and select Properties
• Set Build Action to Content
• Set Copy to Output Directory to Copy if newer

Now your file will automatically be copied into the debug or release folder.

For deploying you can add a setup project to your solution. When you add the output of your first project to the setup project the DLL will automatically be added to the setup.

But a setup project is a completely new area. So start to work with it and ask a new question if you get stuck with it.