Edit

How to: Create CLR Console Applications (C++/CLI)

  • Article

You can use the CLR Console Application template in the New Project dialog to create a console app project that already has essential project references and files.

You can use the CLR Console App template in the New Project dialog to create a console app project that already has essential project references and files.

C++/CLI support isn't installed by default when you install a Visual Studio C++ workload. If you don't see a CLR heading under Visual C++ in the New Project dialog, you may need to install C++/CLI support. For more information, see Install C++/CLI support in Visual Studio 2022.

You can use the CLR Console App (.NET Framework) template in the Create a new project dialog to create a console app project that already has essential project references and files.

C++/CLI support isn't installed by default when you install a Visual Studio C++ workload. If you don't see CLR project templates in the Create a new project dialog, you may need to install C++/CLI support. For more information, see .NET programming with C++/CLI.

Typically, a console app is compiled into a stand-alone executable file but doesn't have a graphical user interface. Users run the console app at a command prompt. They can use the command line to issue instructions to the running app. The app provides output information as text in the command window. The immediate feedback of a console app makes it a great way to learn programming. You don't need to worry about how to implement a graphical user interface.

When you use the CLR Console Application template to create a project, it automatically adds these references and files:

  • References to these .NET Framework namespaces:

    • System, System.Data, System.Xml: These references contain the fundamental classes that define commonly used types, events, interfaces, attributes, and exceptions.

    • mscorlib.dll: The assembly DLL that supports .NET Framework development.

  • Source files:

    • ConsoleApplicationName.cpp: The main source file and entry point into the app. This file has the base name you specified for your project. It identifies the project DLL file and the project namespace. Provide your own code in this file.

    • AssemblyInfo.cpp: Contains attributes and settings that you can use to modify the project's assembly metadata. For more information, see Assembly contents.

    • stdafx.cpp: Used to build a precompiled header file that's named ConsoleApplicationName.pch and a precompiled types file that's named stdafx.obj.

  • Header files:

    • stdafx.h: Used to build a precompiled header file that's named ConsoleApplicationName.pch and a precompiled types file that's named stdafx.obj.

    • resource.h: A generated include file for app.rc.

  • Resource files:

    • app.rc: The resource script file of a program.

    • app.ico: The icon file of a program.

  • ReadMe.txt: Describes the files in the project.

When you use the CLR Console App template to create a project, it automatically adds these references and files:

  • References to these .NET Framework namespaces:

    • System, System.Data, System.Xml: These references contain the fundamental classes that define commonly used types, events, interfaces, attributes, and exceptions.

    • mscorlib.dll: The assembly DLL that supports .NET Framework development.

  • Source files:

    • ConsoleApplicationName.cpp: The main source file and entry point into the app. This file has the base name you specified for your project. It identifies the project DLL file and the project namespace. Provide your own code in this file.

    • AssemblyInfo.cpp: Contains attributes and settings that you can use to modify the project's assembly metadata. For more information, see Assembly contents.

    • pch.cpp: Used to build a precompiled header file that's named ConsoleApplicationName.pch and a precompiled types file that's named pch.obj.

  • Header files:

    • pch.h: Used to build a precompiled header file that's named ConsoleApplicationName.pch and a precompiled types file that's named pch.obj.

    • Resource.h: A generated include file for app.rc.

  • Resource files:

    • app.rc: The resource script file of a program.

    • app.ico: The icon file of a program.

To create a CLR console app project

  1. On the menu bar, choose File > New > Project.

  2. In the New Project dialog box, select the Installed > Templates > Visual C++ > CLR node, and then select the CLR Console Application template.

  3. In the Name box, enter a unique name for your application.

    You can specify other project and solution settings, but they're not required.

  4. Choose the OK button to generate the project and source files.

  1. On the menu bar, choose File > New > Project.

  2. In the New Project dialog box, select the Installed > Visual C++ > CLR node, and then select the CLR Console App template.

  3. In the Name box, enter a unique name for your application.

    You can specify other project and solution settings, but they're not required.

  4. Choose the OK button to generate the project and source files.

  1. On the menu bar, choose File > New > Project.

  2. In the Create a new project dialog box, enter "clr console" in the search box. Select the CLR Console App (.NET Framework) template, and then choose Next.

  3. In the Name box, enter a unique name for your application.

    You can specify other project and solution settings, but they're not required.

  4. Choose the Create button to generate the project and source files.

See also

CLR projects