Introduction
In developing a solution, I repeatedly had the problem how to get a debug-output to a console. Finally, I found this general way, consisting of a Console-server and two .DLL's. One .DLL for native C++ standard and another for managed /clr:pure.
Background
Console-server provides a Named-Pipe in read-only mode. The Native-DLL connects to that Named-Pipe and writes messages to it. The managed /clr:pure DLL wraps the Native-DLL to the MS-managed world.
The DLLs can be used in any executable. I used it in a WIN32 application, in WindowsForms .NET application, in other DLLs, in an application with multiple threads.
Using the Code
To use the Native-DLL, write the following declaration:
extern "C" {
int __declspec(dllimport) PipeWrite(const char msg[]);
}
and use it like this:
case WM_CREATE:
PipeWrite("A_Dialog connect");
...
case WM_DESTROY:
PipeWrite("A_Dialog disconnect");
...
For managed code, there is no declaration needed, if your project knows the Managed-DLL as a resource.
You use it like this in the constructor and destructor of a component and anywhere else:
DebugControl(void)
{
InitializeComponent();
Pipe::write("I'm connected");
}
~DebugControl()
{
if (components)
{
delete components;
}
Pipe::write("bye, I'm going q:-D");
}
Source Code
The source consists of three files:
-
PipeSrvRead.cpp
-
PipeClntNativeDll.cpp
-
PipeClntClrpureDll.cpp
Important notice: The choosen pipe-type PIPE_TYPE_MESSAGE works in ANSI-mode only. Don't compile the Server and the Native-Client with Unicode!
Feedback
If you have any questions or a hint, feel free to write a comment below.
