How Can I Call C Code (DLL) from C#?

Call C code in C#

Cross-language calls, especially calling external libraries from .NET languages ​​(such as C#) and code written in different programming languages, are often a challenge. This article explores how to call C code in C#, specifically from code library files (*.dll).

Solution: C/CLI wrapper assembly

An effective solution is to use C/CLI, a language extension that connects C and the .NET Framework. C/CLI allows seamless interaction between unmanaged C code and managed code such as C#.

Create a C/CLI wrapper assembly to expose the functionality of the required C code. This wrapper acts as an intermediary, allowing C# code to call the C implementation as if it were C# code.

Example: RakNet Network Library

To illustrate this approach, consider using the RakNet network library. Compile the following C/CLI code by using the /clr switch:

#include "NativeType.h"

public ref class ManagedType
{
     NativeType*   NativePtr; 

public:
     ManagedType() : NativePtr(new NativeType()) {}
     ~ManagedType() { delete NativePtr; }

     void ManagedMethod()
      { NativePtr->NativeMethod(); } 
}; 

You can create a managed assembly that can be referenced in C# code. This allows you to access C functionality via the ManagedType class:

ManagedType mt = new ManagedType();
mt.ManagedMethod();

Summary

By leveraging C/CLI, you can effectively extend the functionality of the .NET language by interacting with C code. This approach simplifies the integration of external libraries and enables smooth interaction between different programming environments.

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