Writing .NET for Windows via Linux and Mono

Question

For a long time now, I've largely developed using open source languages, toolkits, etc. on Linux and Mac. A new project, though, is about to shove me into the .NET world. Moreover, a .NET world whose products will be deployed to a Windows infrastructure.

In my mind, I made the assumption that I wouldn't be able to develop for this platform combination on Linux using Mono due to underlying architectural differences, but it's no more than an uninformed assumption at this point. Can someone can verify or debunk that assumption?

Thanks.

Answer 1

I think you can, only the other way (develop on windows with .NET and run on mono) is problematic, because of the lack of some library implementations in mono. However, you don't really gain anything from mono (and monodevelop, the IDE), unless you are an open-source enthuasist. (Also, there are some concerns about the openness of these tools among the open source community).

Answer 2

The framework should abstract you from the platform differences and I believe Mono produces MSIL code so there's no reason you can't develop for Windows on Linux or a Mac.

I would just be aware that the Mono framework isn't up-to-date but it's pretty good from what I've seen.

I should also add that I've not tried this myself but I don't believe there's a barrier to stop you.

Remember that the CSC (C# Compiler is free (part of the Windows SDK) as are the Visual Studio Express editions and also SharpDevelop (also OSS)) so lots of options for you.