porting C++ CLR .NET framework Winform to .NET 8

Question

porting C++ CLR .NET framework Winform to .NET 8

cebuhax0r 66

we have a tool that was written in C++ CLR where its forms where also written as a Winform in C++ CLR, we plan to upgrade it to .NET 8 but it seems there is a pretty huge shift between .net framework and .NET 8 and/or future versions like 9.
So I am assuming that the way to do this will be pretty tedious. so here are my questions

in the unified .NET version (5 or higher), I assume the only way to create winforms is thru C# and there is no longer support for C++ CLR winforms?
does that mean that I need to recareate the forms, dialogs and controls form my C++ CLR projects in C# and they cannot be reused?

Is there any other way or is it the only way and I cant use my forms, dialogs and user control anymore?

Accepted answer

0 additional answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Minxin Yu 13,501 Microsoft External Staff

Hi, @cebuhax0r

Please refer to my answer from similar thread: .net8 windows form design view problem

The out-of-process designer is not compatible with C++ CLR and .NET 6 or later , you need to add the control code manually.
Also , you need to modify the dependencies as I mentioned in the link.

Best regards,
Minxin Yu

If the answer is the right solution, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

cebuhax0r 66 Reputation points

2024-06-26T07:47:55.88+00:00

what do you mean by "add the control code manualy" you mean re implement all the forms, dialogs from C++ to C#? and recreate the winform application in C#?
Minxin Yu 13,501 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2024-06-26T07:55:12.7133333+00:00

For example, add a button(<-- add the control code manually) in a C++CLR .NET 8 Winform project.
cebuhax0r 66 Reputation points

2024-06-26T08:01:17.2266667+00:00

I am still confuse, none of your answers answered my 2 questions from original post,
can I still create a winform project in C++ CLR in .NET 8? most of the things i read says i cant and only way to create a winform app is C#. Then you are saying I need to add a button manualy in a C++ CLR .NET 8 Winform project.

I have a current EXE application in C++ CLR, I need to build it as a DLL? and Can I still use the forms in it? the thread you linked seems like an issue for designer or something.

Sorry for the questions, i just want a clear context.
Thank you for your quick response by the way.
Minxin Yu 13,501 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2024-06-26T08:05:31.3733333+00:00

You can still use Winform in C++CLR .NET 8.
The screenshots in the link provided have proved this, please read the link content carefully.

It is a running .net 8 C++ winform.

If you need to edit your .NET 8 C++ Winform, for example to add a button, you need to manually add the relevant code.
cebuhax0r 66 Reputation points

2024-06-26T08:19:31.4133333+00:00

looking at the code in the link and checking VS 2022, I assumed that we can NO LONGER create exe app that is based on C++ CLR .NET 8 and instead it should be built as a DLL? and we create a C# app that loads this DLL,

my question now is, can this C# app use the winforms in the DLL right?
Minxin Yu 13,501 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2024-06-26T08:26:06.7633333+00:00

Yes, C++CLR .Net 8 should be designed as DLL to interact with C#. I have just verified that it is able to call C++ .Net 8 Winform in C# Winform.
cebuhax0r 66 Reputation points

2024-06-26T08:28:35.22+00:00

Thank you, mind if you can share your sample/test code? I cant seem to build the code included in the original link you provided. It has lots of build errors.
just super desperate here, after you can share the code I can close this and i can mark answer.
Minxin Yu 13,501 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2024-06-26T08:34:04.12+00:00

Remove .txt and upzip the file.
Set C# Winform as start up project.
Minxin Yu 13,501 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2024-06-26T08:37:32.6866667+00:00

Click the C# Winform button to pop up the C++ Winform:
cebuhax0r 66 Reputation points

2024-06-26T08:37:37.21+00:00

thank you!

Share via

porting C++ CLR .NET framework Winform to .NET 8

0 additional answers

Your answer