How can we use managed nuget packages in c++/cli project

Question

I want to consume managed nuget package in c++/cli project. Is there a way to do that?

For example

1. I have created a C# project(MainProject) and added EntityFramework nuget package to that project.
2. I have created one more C# project(TestCSProject) and added MainProject as reference to that project. Then automatically in references entityframework is also added
3. I have created one C++/CLI project(TestCLIProject) and added MainProject as reference to that project so that I want to see whether I can use entityframework.

But that didnt happened.

So I want to know how can I use managed nuget package in c++/cli project

Answer 1

Hi @S D_123 ,

C++/CLI project is different from C# project and you could not use EntityFramework directly by adding other project references which include the EntityFramework NuGet Package or dll files.

You can try these steps:

1). Create a C++/CLI project > Add a new C# project to the same solution > Add NuGet Package to the C# project.

2). Go to the folder of C# project > copy the packages.config(I created a .net framework C# project) file to the C++/CLI project directory.

3). Add this packages.config file to your C++/CLI project in VS(from Solution Explorer > click Show All Files button > right-click the packages.config > choose Include In Project).

4). From your C++/CLI project > right-click Reference > Add Reference > Browse > Browse and choose the related dll files which are provided(located) by the C# project > Add > OK.

5). Then you can use C++/CLI syntax like using namespace XXXXX to use it in your C++/CLI project.

Although this can make it work, there may exist some issues. For example, updating NuGet packages will be a little troublesome.

Best Regards,
Tianyu

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