How can Win32 app (unmanaged code) communicate with WPF dll (managed code) ? | Tech Off

Viashivan

Hi everybody and happy new year,

I tried to develop an User Interface in MS Expression Blend like a library file, so a WPF .dll written in XAML/C# (managed code).
I've also my simple Win32 project, a simple window written in C++ (unmanaged code).

I haven't yet understood which is the better "way" in order they can communicate (and how...) Sad

For better "way" I mean: WCF, COM, Invoke, or something else...

Thanks in advance,
Carmelo.

vesuvius
Das Glasperlenspiel

Looking at your profile, either you are a genuis, and doing things nobody can understand, or your understanding of WPF is fatally floored as you keep trying to do the most illogical things with C++/C# and WPF.

I have no idea why you need a C++ window in a WPF applicaton, when WPF has its own windows. I really am not quite sure you understand what it is you want to do, nevermind the technology.

Maybe if you posted a lengthy article like, "hello may name is Vaishivan, I need to develop an WPF application for company X. they need an application that does x-y-z", people may be able to assist better.

As it is with each post you make, you leave people even more befuddled.

Please take no offence in what I have written by the way. Happy New Year to you.

Viashivan

In reply to vesuvius

#Dec 31st, 2008 @ 6:17 AM

littleguru
<3 Seattle

In reply to Viashivan

#Dec 31st, 2008 @ 6:57 AM

AFAIK .NET assemblies can be registered with COM to call stuff in that .NET assembly form C++ code. Would that help you?

Rolsct

Considering your position, I think you should really envisage the opposite : Let WPF handle your UIs and invoke, from it, your dedicated C/C++ code. It's probably much easier (C# codes will be invokable throughout callbacks), and much logic, for it will allow you to adress partially airspace issues (otherwise, you won't be able to superpose easily WPF UIs and you engine graphics ).

If your engine is using DirectX 3D graphics, a good solution is to use the D3DImage interop solution : D3DImage allows you to integrate your C/C++ DirectX-rendered graphics as a brush, used to fullfill any UI Component in WPF, without airspace issues. This could allow you to render your gfx as background, and, on top of it ( with transparency ), your UI.

figuerres
???

In reply to Viashivan

#Dec 31st, 2008 @ 6:57 AM

what do you mean by you have hosted the wpf dll in your c++ app ??

if c++ is loading and runing the dll the *YOU ARE COMMUNICATING WITH IT*
thats called "COM INTEROP"