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c#.netc++enumsc++-cli

Sharing an enum from C#, C++/CLI, and C++

I have a library that consists of three parts. First is native C++, which provides the actual functionality. Second is a C++/CLI wrapper/adaptor for the C++ library, to simplify the C# to C++ transition. Finally I have a C# library, which invokes the C++ library through the C++/CLI adaptor.

Right now there I have two sets of parallel enum definitions, one stored in a .cs file and the other in a .h file. This poses a double problem:

  1. I have dual maintenance. I must always synchronize changes of an enum in both file locations.
  2. The namespace used by both enums should be identical but the C++/CLI wrapper, which views both sets of enums and translates between them, incurs a naming collision.

Right now I'm not sure a solution such as this or that would solve both problems. Thoughts?

Solution

  • Just put your #include "Enum.cs" directive inside an outer namespace to resolve the naming collision.

    EDIT: A variation suggested by Brent is to use #define to substitute one of the namespaces (or even the enum name itself) declared in the .cs file. This also avoids the naming collision, without making the namespace hierarchy deeper.