June 2003 - Posts

A question about Xml Serialization

I haven't tried this yet, but...

Suppose that you have an console application that uses the XmlSerializer. Suppose you added a appconfig file that contains a diagnostic switch named XmlSerialization.Compilation and a value of 1. Suppose you ran the application. Suppose you then looked in the %TEMP% dir. What do you think you would find?   [douglasp]

Posted by Jamie Cansdale | with no comments
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ReflectorAddIn 0.1.3

I have been having fun and games getting assemblies to refresh after they have been compiled.  I have found a work around get unsigned assemblies to reload.  Unfortunately it only works with VS.NET 2003/.NET Framework 1.1.  I'm still working on getting signed assemblies with a fixed version number to refresh (signed assemblies with a changing version number always worked).  If you're a beta tester, look in the usual place for the new build.  Comment here and let me know how you get on.

If you ever load assemblies you must read the following article!  If you don't you will get burnt!  Choosing a Binding Context

Reflector AddIn 0.1.1 beta

Note to beta testers. I've put up an updated build. This version contains a number of new options.  The code context menu now looks like this...

 
[click on image to follow callstack]

The first 6 items are culled from the Reflector context menu. By default all options appear. If you select an option that isn't appropriate from where you are in the code, it will be ignored. If you want to only show the options that are available, you can toggle Auto Synchronize. This will synchronize your position in the code with Reflector every time the drop down menu appears (and only show the appropriate options).

The most interesting new option is Follow CallStack.  This is only available when in debugging mode (say you've stopped on a breakpoint).  When you select this option it will bring up the Dissasembly window and start reflecting on the top of the callstack.  This means you can step right into the .NET class libraries and see the decompiled methods as you go.  There is something slightly perverse about stepping through the .NET framework and seeing x86 assembly language in one window and Visual Basic in another!  ;o)    Have fun!!!

NOTE: To do this go into Reflector's View/Options.  Select All in the Visibility options (i.e. show private methods).  Now select Tools/Decompiler.  For extra perversity select Languages/Visual Basic (I'm not anti-VB - I just know the class libraries were written in C#!).  Start spelunking...

Posted by Jamie Cansdale | 3 comment(s)
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More Reflection

Here's another teaser for you...

I’ve been quite overwhelmed by the response to my original post. I’m sorry I haven’t managed to get an alpha out yet. If you’d like to register your interest, could you drop me an email at addins@mutantdesign.co.uk (even if you've commented on this post already). This way I can send you the installer as soon as it's done.  I also need to contact Lutz to see if it's okay to include Reflector in the install.  I haven't changed the binary at all so in theory you could just drop it in.

Posted by Jamie Cansdale | 2 comment(s)
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Reflect on This

Putting Reflector where it belongs...

This is just a little teaser for you.  It's the first hint of an NUnitAddin spin-off project.  The above was done without so much as touching the Reflector source.  Expect more in the coming weeks.  If you'd like to be a beta tester than drop me a note.

Posted by Jamie Cansdale | 10 comment(s)
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