Run Add-in from another add-in

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Hello,

I developed add-in for visual studio 2010.
I am searching some way to run add-in from another add-in in the same visual studio instance.
Does it possible?
If yes please explain how \ give code example.

Thx.

Posted 7-Apr-14 2:42am

Member 10378909

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Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 7-Apr-14 19:01pm

Why?
The trouble is: what if the add-in you want to use is not installed. What do you want to do with it?
Anyway, are both add-ins yours?
—SA

Member 10378909 8-Apr-14 0:47am

Hi,

Yes, both add-ins install.
I need it in the case when i want to update my add-in (replace dlls).
So i will run the first add-in, that call to the second one.
The first add-in can close the second add-in and in that case i can replace dlls.
VS doesnt allows to replace dlls whan it is runs (even when it is disable from add-in manger).

thx

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 8-Apr-14 1:32am

This is not VS, .NET does not allow to unload DLL. You can unload a DLL if it is in the separate application domain, by unloading whole domain. I don't know if it can help you; I have trouble understanding your scenario.
—SA

Member 10378909 8-Apr-14 4:54am

VS - visual studio 2010.
What do you mean "separate application domain"?
Can you explain more about it?

Ggenerally,
1. Does .net have unload function?
2. If i need to update some dll what do i need to do?

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 8-Apr-14 11:33am

Read about AppDomain class and you will understand.
1) what is it supposed to do?
2) during runtime, you cannot; all modules loaded are protected by OS
We can discuss your problems only if your explain your ultimate goals, otherwise this would be a waste of time.
—SA

Member 10378909 8-Apr-14 14:59pm

I am developing some add-in for vs 2010.
It connects to TFS server and gives more features to our developers.
This tool is in developing progress, so every month i have new feature to give.
I need to find a easy way to reinstall \ overwrite old dll add-in files.
Now I close all VS instance and replace the dll.
I want another way to do upgrade.
I don't want to close VS, I want to press on a button(In my add-in) and get all latest version of add-in.

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Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov · Answer 1 · 2014-04-08T09:27:00

I don't think you can do it without closing VS. However, I am not familiar with the domain structure of the VS application; theoretically speaking, it could be possible, but would create a performance and redundant complexity problem: working through the domain wall is inherently complex and involves IPC-like communication, because Application Domains are isolated from each other, pretty much like processes; they work in separate address spaces. So, if I was the architect of the Visual Studio, I would not add this complexity, because reloading Visual Studio would be a reasonable solution. Note that, in same cases, Visual Studio is unloaded and then automatically restarted. This is very indicative.

See also:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/yb506139%28v=vs.110%29.aspx[^],
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.appdomain.aspx[^].

So, sorry for not 100% complete and not 100% certain solution. I cannot say "I am sure: replacing of the add-in implementation without reloading of Visual Studio is totally impossible". I can only say: in my opinion, this feature is highly unlikely. I really advise you not trying to achieve that. Unloading Visual Studio and loading it again is not a great burden you would put on your users.

—SA