how to use .a file in .net ios?

Question

I am using .net ios.

what should Ｉ　ｄｏ　ｎｅｘｔ？

I am not using xamarin.ios and maui. I am using .net ios.

Answer 1

To use a .a file in your .NET iOS app, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Create a new Native Reference: In your .NET iOS project, right-click on the project file and select "Add" > "Add Native Reference". Then, select the .a file you want to use.
2. Add the library to your project: In the "Native Reference" dialog box, make sure the .a file is selected and click "Add".
3. Include the library in your code: In your C# code, include the library by using the "DllImport" attribute. For example: [DllImport("libName", EntryPoint = "FunctionName")]
4. Call the library functions: Now you can call the functions from the .a file in your C# code.

Note: Make sure the .a file is compiled for the correct architecture (e.g., ARM64 for iOS devices).

That's it! Your .NET iOS app should now be able to use the .a file.

Additional resources:
https://stackoverflow.com/questions/1671888/c-sharp-solution-to-upload-a-file

https://nareshit.com/blogs/fundamentals-of-full-stack-dot-net-core-introduction-to-full-stack-dot-net

Answer 2

you need to create a .net wrapper for the native library (it is same for maui). see docs:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/maui/migration/ios-binding-projects?view=net-maui-8.0

note: net IOS uses the Maui build chain and tools, it just does not include the forms package and Maui startup template. Maui has poorly documented storyboard support but it's there. if you want to use SwiftUI, you will need to produce an objective-c wrapper, then a .net wrapper.

Answer 3

Hello,

As Bruce said, you should wrapper the native library (.a file) with a new iOS Binding Library project, then reference this project in your .NET-iOS project. See Xamarin.iOS binding project migration - .NET MAUI | Microsoft Learn

During this process, you should make the API definition (ApiDefinition.cs and StructsAndEnums.cs). There is no such MAUI (.net-ios) doc, please refer to Binding iOS Libraries - Xamarin | Microsoft Learn (This doc is about Xamarin, it applies to MAUI)

Best Regards,

Wenyan Zhang

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