.Netcore vs .NETFramework

Question

Is it possible to reference an assembly built with .NET 4.0 to a Metro project?  I tried it and received the following error message:

A reference to '...' could not be added. The project targets '.NETCore' while the file reference targets '.NETFramework'. This is not a supported scenario.

Answer 1

A Metro style app must use references to another .NETCore or Portable Library binary only...it can not reference a full .NET 4.0 library because the Metro profile is not that large (and would fail store certification).

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Tim Heuer | Program Manager, XAML | http://timheuer.com/blog | @timheuer

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Answer 2

Can you give us more details on how to create a ".NETCore" or "Portable Library binary"?

I have existing .NET Class Library dlls that are built using C++/CLI and target .NETFramework 4.0.  I need to use those in a Metro application.  What do I need to do in order to re-compile them so that they can be used?

Answer 3

@xcRacer - Portable Libraries are available in the Beta for VS Ultimate (not in the express version).  C++/CLI is not supported in Metro.

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Tim Heuer | Program Manager, XAML | http://timheuer.com/blog | @timheuer

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Answer 4

Where can I find an example project for creating a .NETCore dll that actually works in a Metro application?

Answer 5

@xcRacer - the ".NETCOre" library is the Class Library project under the Metro style apps category in Visual Studio

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Tim Heuer | Program Manager, XAML | http://timheuer.com/blog | @timheuer

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Answer 6

I think I figured it out myself.

If you create a new Visual C++, Windows Metro Style, WinRT Component DLL in Visual Studio 11 BETA, and then try to add a reference to the output .dll in a Visual C#, Windows Metro Style, Blank Application you will get an error:

"A reference to '<path>\WinRTComponentDll\WinRTComponentDll.dll' could not be added. Please make sure that the file is accessible, and that it is a valid assembly or COM component."

However, if you add reference to the .winmd file which is in the same folder as the .dll, then it works.

Answer 7

i don't understand the .winmd ? can you explain to me?

Answer 8

When you build a C++/WinRT component using VS 2012, it will generate a .DLL and a .WINMD file.

In your consuming application, you must AddReference to the .WINMD file, not the .DLL file.

Answer 9

I'm getting the same issue with Json.Net

I've tried the Portable version but still get errors.

Has anyone successfully referenced Json.Net in to a Store App?

Cheers,

Roy

Answer 10

Many people are successfully using JSON.NET in Store apps.

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Tim Heuer | Program Manager, XAML | http://timheuer.com/blog | @timheuer

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Answer 11

Do you know how this can be done in C#?

Answer 12

@Zyberb - how what can be done in C#?

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Tim Heuer | Program Manager, XAML | http://timheuer.com/blog | @timheuer

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