Is it possible to create a hybrid .NET exe/DLL?

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I know this is probably a dumb question but...

I have a need to create a DLL that displays a windows form when called from another application. However, I also need this form, in certain scenarios, to be a standalone application.

Right now, it's a fully working DLL that when called from another app, works as expected. I've been working on creating a "stub" exe that does nothing but reference and call the function in the DLL that displays the form. But then the thought came to me, is it possible to create this as an EXE that can be executed directly and still be able to reference it as a Class Library from another application?

What I have tried:

searching for info, but found nothing.

Posted 10-Jul-16 15:47pm

tolsen64

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PIEBALDconsult 10-Jul-16 21:59pm

Yes, make it an EXE. There is very little differnce between an EXE and a DLL. Other applications can use an EXE like they would a DLL.

Garth J Lancaster 10-Jul-16 22:34pm

hmm, how does that work ? I'm thinking :-

a) load the exe into a memory stream of bytes
b) use Assembly.Load to load the bytes from (a) into the assembly cache
c) then use reflection on the Assembly to [get] the forms/classes ?

PIEBALDconsult 10-Jul-16 22:42pm

You could, but you should just use it like a DLL -- add a reference and go.

Garth J Lancaster 11-Jul-16 0:23am

cool, thanks

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