C# - Background application with GUI

Question

My problem is that I want to create a background application but with a user interface that could be restored and minimized to the system tray and it starts with windows. I tried searching how to start but I only found threads about Windows Service without UI or creating form and hiding it. So my question is how should I start ? A Windows Form ? A Service and add an interface somehow ?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Here's a way to create an app that isn't tied to a Form. Use a Standard WinForms Project, but pass your custom implementation of ApplicationContext to Application.Run():

static class Program
{
    /// <summary>
    /// The main entry point for the application.
    /// </summary>
    [STAThread]
    static void Main()
    {
        Application.EnableVisualStyles();
        Application.SetCompatibleTextRenderingDefault(false);
        Application.Run(new MyContext());
    }

}

public class MyContext : ApplicationContext
{

    public MyContext()
    {
        // this is the new "entry point" for your application

        // use Application.Exit() to shut down the application

        // you can still create and display a NotifyIcon control via code for display in the tray
        // (the icon for the NotifyIcon can be an embedded resource)
        // you can also display forms as usual when necessary
    }

}