Extending application

[John]

Hi

I am writing an application which I would like for users to be able to
"extend" but without access to the source code. What techniques are
available to achieve this?

One requirement is for the app to call a sub/function but the actual
sub/function to be provided by the end users depending on the hardware they
are using. Is there a way to accomplish this?

Thanks

Regards

 

[Joe Fallon]

I think Web Services is the recommended technique for exposing functionality
without exposing source code.

Rocky Lhotka describes it in his book:
http://www.lhotka.net/ArticleIndex.aspx?area=CSLA .NET

 

[Fergus Cooney]

Hi John,

You can:

1) Allow users to write scripts in JavaScript or VBScript and include a
Script Engine in your application. (VSA)

2) Similar: You can allow them to write code in VB.NET, C#, etc. Then you
compile and run it within your application (CodeDom, Reflection)

3) You can allow them to write plug-ins, to a given interface, which your
application will host. You then call the plug-in. (Interop or .NET components)

4) You can expose a COM Automation interface. They write an application
which calls you.

Hope there's something there for you.

Regards,
Fergus
MVP [Windows Start button, Shutdown dialogue]