Shared Assemblies - doubt

rpsin88

Hi, Could u explain me how to create a shared assemblies. Below are steps which i have followed to create a shared assembly ,but still now didn't succeed. Expecting ur support.. 1. Created a DLL [TestLib] 2. Created a strong name using the utility sn.exe 3. In TestLib.dll project edited the AssemblyInfo.cs included the strong name[key value pair] as below. [assembly: AssemblyKeyFile("../../test.snk")] 4. After then recompiled the project. 5. using gacutil.exe i have installed the TestLib.dll into GAC[c:\winnt\assembly] 6. Now,i have created a new project and wants to use the dll TestLib which i have created and placed in GAC 7. I couldn't able to find the TestLib.dll ,i tried of using and AddReference? error which i got when i tried of using. using TestLib; -- throws an error [TestLib could not found(missing directive or reference] Reference->AddReference->.NET->Browse[C:\winnt\assembly] coudln't able to open. Hope you peoples guide me,where i am wrong. Could you tell me how to create a shared assembly and using it in different applications. using sn.exe,al.exe and gacutil.exe. Any links related to this topics are welcome. Thanks and in advance

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tonkonog22y ago
Hello, A shared assembly needs to emit a Strong Name in order to be consumed by a client. Try using the following directives in your shared assembly: (VB.NET Sample) Imports System Imports System.Reflection Note that "Key.snk" is the Key File produced by the Strong Name Utility. Once you have compiled your assembly including the above directives, signed it, and installed it in the GAC (Global Assembly Cache), a client application can consume it through creating a reference to the original path of the shared assembly, or as an alternative, you could configure the assembly node of the client's application config file. When it comes to locating assemblies, the run-time uses a process called "Probing." You might want to research this topic for more definitive information. Let me know if the above works for you.
james23y ago
you're not the only one who's experienced these kind of hassles trying to use the GAC. There are lots of posts and articles out there that give the step by step instructions, but so far I haven't found any that contain info on what to do when it doesn't work! I'd love to see someone write a good, clear article on the best practices for using GAC. -James