How to get C# library file in output directory?

Question

I have a solution with a few projects:

1. library.dll with something.json
2. webapp.dll
3. winapp.exe

2 and 3 depend on 1, not on eachother.

I would like copy something.json to the bin directory of winapp.exe

However setting the properties to Content and Copy always doesn't do what I expected.

Answer 1

You can use the Post-build event command line of your winapp.exe for instruct to copy that file inside your target dir

something like this

xcopy /Y  $your path of something.json $(TargetDir).

Change your path of something.json to your actual path.

Remember that you have a set of usefull link

• (TargetDir) = Where your project is going to be compiled
• (SolutionDir) = The solution path on your disk
• (ProjectDir) = The project path on your disk

Answer 2

You can use Build events.

Go to "Project properties -> Build events -> Post build events command line:"

And use command to copy any file

Read more about Build events on Build events