Using C++ Class DLL in C# Application

Question

I have an unmanaged C++ DLL which merely exports a single class (not COM...it's just a simple C++ class) as its interface. I want to use this class in C# but am told that it cannot merely be imported into C#.

What is the right way to use this class in my C# application?

Answer 1

Simple way assuming class Foo:

1. Create a C++/CLI project, call this FooWrapper.
2. Make FooWrapper depend on the unmanaged dll (however you normally would).
3. Create a managed class ManagedFoo which contains a single private instance field of type Foo*.
4. provide public wrapping functions in ManagedFoo which forward on to the underlying instance field.
5. Optionally (though recommended):
   • convert parameters from .net idioms (strings and the like) to C++ idioms (std::string or char*)
   • catch unmanaged exceptions and throw managed ones instead

Then you make your c# code depend on the FooWrapper project/dll and ensure that the unmanaged dll is properly deployed with it, how that is done depends on the unmanaged dll but in the same directory is normally sufficient.

If the functions do not rely on instances of the class then even simpler is P/Invoke

Answer 2

This answer might be overkill for a single class library, but SWIG is a good solution for "wrapping" C/C++ classes for use from other languages. It works well with C#.

See http://www.swig.org/.

Answer 3

DllImport is your best bet. There is a bit of data type massaging, especially if you are passing structs, but you can do almost anything with it.

Answer 4

You need an proxy (GoF pattern) intermediary to bridge the managed/unmanaged boundary.

Two options:

• A C++/CLI wrapper
• A COM wrapper.

The former will be more direct, and latter has two steps pure C++ -> COM -> .NET.

Answer 5

Sometimes, it is easier to provide your own C interface. SWIG is non-trivial to setup. I have use managed C++ and C++/CLI and they are fine. The easiest was just doing a C wrapper (and can be used by about any other language since most have a way to call a C function).