What is the WPF equivalent to "System.Windows.Forms.Application.X" for obtaining startup path, app data path, etc.?

Question

I'm converting a windows forms application to a WPF application. Is there a way to obtain things like, Startup Path, User App Data Path, Common App Data Path, etc. without referencing System.Windows.Forms?

Previously, I used System.Windows.Forms.Application.StartupPath, but the System.Windows.Application.Current object doesn't contain the same information.

score 16 · Accepted Answer · answered Aug 30 '10 at 19:09

16

You might want to look at System.Environment.GetFolderPath.

The values of the SpecialFolder enum are numerous:

ApplicationData
CommonApplicationData
CommonProgramFiles
Cookies
Desktop
DesktopDirectory
Favorites
History
InternetCache
LocalApplicationData
MyComputer
MyDocuments
MyMusic
MyPictures
Personal
ProgramFiles
Programs
Recent
SendTo
StartMenu
Startup
System
Templates

Is that helpful?

answered Aug 30 '10 at 19:09

Dan Tao

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Exactly what I needed. Thanks, everyone. – bporter Aug 30 '10 at 19:14

score 6 · Answer 2 · answered Aug 30 '10 at 19:09

6

this will help

for Application.StartupPath use AppDomain.CurrentDomain.BaseDirectory

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/system.appdomain.basedirectory.aspx

answered Aug 30 '10 at 19:09

Camilo Sanchez

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Considering the OP's example was about StartupPath, I believe this should be the accepted answer. SpecialFolder.Startup is something *completely* different. – Riegardt Steyn Apr 25 '13 at 14:32

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Aug 30 '10 at 19:10

2

You can use the Environment class to get all types of system information. For directories, use the Environment.GetFolderPath method.

Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.UserProfile);

answered Aug 30 '10 at 19:10

mdm20

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Don't use this to store user data, as the Summery states: `The user's profile folder. Applications should not create files or folders at this level; they should put their data under the locations referred to by System.Environment.SpecialFolder.ApplicationData. Added in the .NET Framework 4.` – CularBytes Mar 25 '16 at 13:47

score 0 · Answer 4 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:16

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I understand and agree that referencing to System.Windows.Forms.dll looks ugly but I think that's better then decrease code re-use and re-invent bicycle instead just one more reference.

I use for example System.Windows.Forms.Application.ProductVersion in my console apps, don't like that but think that's the lesser evil..

What is the WPF equivalent to "System.Windows.Forms.Application.X" for obtaining startup path, app data path, etc.?

4 Answers4