How to create a single executable file in Visual Studio 2008 ?

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.NET3.5

Hi,

I've created a Windows Forms Application in Visual Studio 2008, .NET 3.5.
Now I want to finalize my project, i.e. to create a single .exe file which I can give to someone and he will be able to run it on his computer.

In my project files I found bin/Debug directory where I see a .exe file.
Can I just use this file as is, or I am missing some important finalizing procedure ?

Thanks !

Posted 22-Jan-10 22:53pm

moroshko

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3 solutions

Solution 3

If you are connecting to a database, you will need to provide a connection to the database when the other user runs your exe.

Posted 23-Jan-10 2:24am

Abhinav S

Solution 2

If you're talking about merging dll files and exe files into one executable, google "ilmerge", and you'll be off and running/. It can also merge app.config files.

Posted 23-Jan-10 1:41am

#realJSOP

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Rod Kemp · Accepted Answer · 2010-01-22T23:18:00

So long as you have not used any external dll files or added a .config file to your project then yes you can just use the exe file.
However if you change the build type in VS from debug to release you should get a slightly smaller file which does not have any debug information in it, but it's up to you which one you send out.