Use cases

What follows is a list of example use cases for how NetPrints could be used.

Using NetPrints as a standalone tool to create programs

Is is possible to output executables by selecting Executable as the output type for the project in the settings menu. Compiling a functional executable will also require a static Main method just like in C# (see here for more information on its signature). Other .NET assemblies can be referenced in the main menu. By targeting .NET Standard or .NET Core it is possible to create cross-platform binaries. Additionally existing C# source code can be included either for reflection-only or for compiling it into the program.

Integrating NetPrints as a scripting / modding tool for your existing application

There are multiple ways of integrating NetPrints into your application. One way is making it output C# source code and integrating this generated source code into your existing C# project. Make sure to target the same standard library as your main project. You will also want to add your existing C# source code as a reference for reflection information. If you don't do this it will likely not be an issue but you might get suggestions for things not implemented in your project's referenced libraries. This has the advantage that you can debug the generated code like any other C# code. Another way is to output a shared library (ie. .dll file) which can be referenced by your existing projects.

Using NetPrints within C# projects

Using the Visual Studio extension NetPrints classes can be added directly to C# projects and edited from within them. All references from the project are referenced for the NetPrints class and any C# source code is detected and available for use.