.NET Tools

.NET Tools

Ildasm.exe
MSIL Disassembler (Ildasm.exe) is included with the .NET Framework SDK. The Ildasm.exe parses any .NET Framework .exe or .dll assembly, and shows the information in human-readable format. Ildasm.exe shows more than just the Microsoft intermediate language (MSIL) code — it also displays namespaces and types, including their interfaces. You can use Ildasm.exe to examine native .NET Framework assemblies, such as Mscorlib.dll, as well as .NET Framework assemblies provided by others or created yourself. Most .NET Framework developers will find Ildasm.exe indispensable.

Assembly Binding Log Viewer (Fuslogvw.exe)
The Assembly Binding Log Viewer displays details for failed assembly binds. This information helps you diagnose why the .NET Framework cannot locate an assembly at run time. These failures are usually the result of an assembly deployed to the wrong location or a mismatch in version numbers or cultures. The common language runtime's failure to locate an assembly typically shows up as a TypeLoadException in your application.

Assembly Linker (Al.exe)
The Assembly Linker generates a file with an assembly manifest from one or more files that are either modules or resource files. A module is a Microsoft intermediate language (MSIL) file that does not have an assembly manifest.

File Signing Tool (Signcode.exe)
The File Signing tool signs a portable executable (PE) file (.dll or .exe file) with an Authenticode digital signature. You can sign either an assembly or an individual file contained in a multifile assembly. If you are distributing an assembly, you should sign the assembly rather than the individual files. Running Signcode.exe without specifying any options launches a wizard that helps with signing.
The File Signing Tool only ships with the .NET Framework SDK version 1.0 and 1.1. In later versions, use the Sign Tool (SignTool.exe) utility instead.

FxCop
FxCop is an application that analyzes managed code assemblies (code that targets the .NET Framework common language runtime) and reports information about the assemblies, such as possible design, localization, performance, and security improvements. Many of the issues concern violations of the programming and design rules set forth in the Design Guidelines for Class Library Developers, which are the Microsoft guidelines for writing robust and easily maintainable code by using the .NET Framework.

FxCop is intended for class library developers. However, anyone creating applications that should comply with the .NET Framework best practices will benefit. FxCop is also useful as an educational tool for people who are new to the .NET Framework or who are unfamiliar with the .NET Framework Design Guidelines.

FxCop is designed to be fully integrated into the software development cycle and is distributed as both a fully featured application that has a graphical user interface (FxCop.exe) for interactive work, and a command-line tool (FxCopCmd.exe) suited for use as part of automated build processes or integrated with Microsoft Visual Studio® .NET as an external tool.

UI Spy (UISpy.exe)
The UI Spy tool enables developers and testers to view and interact with the user interface (UI) elements of an application. By viewing the application's UI hierarchical structure, property values, and raised events, developers and testers can verify that the UI they are creating is programmatically accessible to assistive technology devices such as screen readers.
UI Spy uses the UI Automation libraries. UI Automation is the new accessibility framework for Microsoft Windows.

Using UI Spy, developers and testers can check an application's level of accessibility by verifying the following:

• UI Automation property values for UI items.
• Control pattern implementation.
• UI Automation event information.
• Navigation and keyboard focus.

Ref:

.NET 3.5 Tools - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb400851.aspx

.NET 3.0 Tools - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa388630(vs.85).aspx

.NET 2x Tools - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/d9kh6s92(VS.80).aspx

.NET 1x Tools - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/d9kh6s92(VS.71).aspx

FxCop - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb429476(VS.80).aspx

UI Spy - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms727247(VS.85).aspx

Production Debugging for .NET Framework Applications - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms954594.aspx