windows form CLR application in Visual studio 2012 RC?

Question

quick question, im just trying out VS2012 and trying to make a c++.net app but for the life of me i cant find the option anymore when making a new project.

In vs2008 it used to be under new project>visual c++> CLR>windwos form application.

Have they removed the option to make c++/CLR application in .net from vs2012? Or is it something i must download?

Answer 1

Although Microsoft removed the option to create a C++/CLI Windows Forms application, the template files are still installed. The only thing missing seems to be the .vsz files and a registration in the vcNET.vcdir file. I have recreated these files and put them up for download here.

Install the files and you should be able to create WinForm apps in C++/CLI again.

Answer 2

Well, many people have faced this problem. Here is what I follow:

Create a Visual C++ --> CLR --> CLR Empty Project (Obviously you specify the Name and the Directory).

Once it gets created, right-click on the project and select "Add --> New Item".

Under the UI tab, select "Windows Form". Name your form and click OK. This form would get added to the project.

After the form gets added, copy the following code inside the YourFormName.cpp:

using namespace System;
using namespace System::Windows::Forms;

[STAThread]
void Main(array<String^>^ args)
{
    Application::EnableVisualStyles();
    Application::SetCompatibleTextRenderingDefault(false);
    Project1::MyForm myForm;        //NameOfProject::NameOfForm instanceOfForm;
    Application::Run(%myForm);
}

We're almost done...

Now under the Project Properties, expand the Linker section and select "System". Under the subsystem option, choose Windows(/SUBSYSTEM/WINDOWS)

Now add an entry point. Under the "Linker-->Advanced", choose "Main" as the "Entry Point"

Build and Run..Voila!!

P.S.: This is only an empty form ;)