How Can I Embed DLLs in My Compiled C# Executable Using Costura.Fody?

Simplifying C# Deployment: Embedding DLLs in Executables

Distributing a single executable file simplifies application deployment. This article explores how to embed dependent DLLs directly into your compiled C# executable using Costura.Fody.

Costura.Fody: A Streamlined Solution

Costura.Fody is a NuGet package designed to seamlessly embed referenced DLLs into your main assembly. This eliminates the need for separate DLL files, resulting in a single, self-contained executable.

Integrating Costura.Fody into Your Project

Follow these steps to incorporate Costura.Fody:

1. Installation: Install the Costura.Fody NuGet package via the NuGet Package Manager Console:

<code>Install-Package Costura.Fody</code>

2. Configuration: Ensure proper embedding by adding a target to your project:

<code>Install-CleanReferencesTarget</code>

Advanced Configuration Options

Costura.Fody offers several customization options:

• PDB Inclusion: Control whether debug symbol files (PDBs) are embedded.
• Assembly Exclusion: Exclude specific assemblies from the embedding process.
• Runtime Extraction: Extract embedded assemblies at runtime if needed.
• Unmanaged DLL Support: Handle embedding of unmanaged (native) DLLs.

Compatibility and Future Developments

Costura.Fody is actively maintained. While MSBuild 16 is now required for the latest Fody (4.2.1), version 4.2.1 is also recommended for MSBuild 15. Ongoing development includes expanding support for newer .NET frameworks.

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