How to run code right when a C# application starts?

c# wpf visual-studio-2010 protection
dsp_099 picture dsp_099 · Jan 8, 2012 · Viewed 19.2k times · Source

I have put some code inside of the public MainWindow() {} but I kept getting some obscure XAML parsing errors as soon as I did that (not on my computer but on 3 others I've tried it on - yep!)

Is there the preferred way to run code AS SOON as t he application starts?

The theory is I want it to call home and ask it it's ok to start. If it's not, I want the app to close out. Call it a makeshift copy-protection :)

Answer

svick picture svick · Jan 8, 2012

Under normal circumstances, WPF creates the Main method (the entrypoint of the application) for you. Your options

  • Create a handler for the Application.Startup event and put your code there. Alternatively, you can override the OnStartup() method.
  • If that's too late for you, put your code in the App's parameterless constructor (it probably doesn't exist, but you can create it).
  • If even that's too late, you can create your own Main() method. There are several ways how to do that. Probably the easiest is to put it in another class and tell Visual Studio you want to use this method in the project's properties.

On the other hand, you said you're getting some obscure XAML parsing errors. Maybe you should figure out what exactly do they mean?

Related questions

WPF App Doesn't Shut Down When Closing Main Window

I'm used to WinForms programming in Visual Studio, but I wanted to give WPF a try. I added another window to my project, called Window01. The main window is called MainWindow. Before the public MainWindow() constructor I declare Window01: Window01 …

Read More
ClickOnce - Cannot publish because a project failed to build

When I try to publish my (WPF, C#) application, I get these errors: Cannot publish because a project failed to build. Could not find file 'obj\x86\Debug\MyAPP.exe' I get these errors no matter where from I publish: …

Read More
How to build library with WPF forms

Is it possible to build a Class Library dll which also includes WPF forms? When I try to build one I get following errors: Error 1 Library project file cannot specify ApplicationDefinition element. Error 2 The project file contains a property value …

Read More