C# - How to combine all files into a single .exe file?

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tonib

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I got my working project (C# - console application) and I have my .cs files, but I can not for the life of me figure out how to compile everything into a single .exe. If I copy the .exe without moving the other files it crashes immediately on startup since it contains references to the other files which are missing.:rolleyes:

I saw after a little Google-fu that people recommend using ILMerge, but apparently it is used to merge .dll files with the .exe file. Problem is - I do not have any .dll files and if I try to convert my .cs files to .dll I always run into some errors (most of them because all classes have references to each other). Furthermore - I have other files as well and I am not sure if I would be able to merge them using ILMerge. Oh, yeah, and I do not really understand how to use it (ILMerge) either.

Is there any simpler idiot friendly method how to do all that?
 
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you can compile the exe on runtime. The exe will compile and generate and run another exe ..that's what i do
 
If you are using Visual Studio near Start program there is Debug change it to Release and click start after that your program should be compiled.
 
ILmerge stands for merging Intermediate Language.
Intermediate language is what all .net languages are compiled to. Ilmerge will allow you to combine assemblies from .net... .Exe or .dll

there are also executables from different sources, you'll be able to merge a lot of stuff in your assembly by added them to your resources in visual studio. Though, if you want to merge third party executables you will not be able to run them just in memory... not without complications atleast. you'll have to re-create the executables on the disk and run them as such.
 
Assuming you are using Visual Studio:

1) Open your project
2) In the top menu bar, choose Build > Configuration Manager...
3) Set Active Solution Configuration to Release
4) Rebuild Solution
3) Change Active Build to Release
4) Right click on project -> Build

You should have a .exe file in your ProjectFolder\bin\release now.
 
Xaniar said:
Assuming you are using Visual Studio:

1) Open your project
2) In the top menu bar, choose Build > Configuration Manager...
3) Set Active Solution Configuration to Release
4) Rebuild Solution
3) Change Active Build to Release
4) Right click on project -> Build

You should have a .exe file in your ProjectFolder\bin\release now.
Click to expand...

THUNDERELVI said:
Use the Release function in Visual Studio.
Click to expand...

No. Read the OP.

I have a good way of doing it, OP. If you'd like to know, pm me.
 
If no external dlls, then probably the only file missing is the .config.exe, because the .cs files aren't used by an .exe (you can check Windows Event Viewer to get details about why the app does not work)
 
There is a magic thing called Visual Studio 2012 and it can compile your program too! :O
 
Use Visual Studio and use build solution under Build -> Build Solution, or press F7.
 
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