How to access the MSIL code of compiled .NET assemblies?

Question

VB.NET and C# (and other language) compilers generate MSIL code. How can I see that code?

What is there in that file? Where does that file reside and how can I access that?

Second question:

How do I compile a C# program from the cmd prompt and how do I check each and every file created using that compiler?

I think you need to clear up your question - the CLR is an abstract concept, and doesn't *generate* MSIL. What code are you trying to see? — Damien_The_Unbeliever, Mar 20 '12 at 19:11
I have read that .Net Compactible language like VB.Net or C# are compiles into Miceosoft Intermediate Language. — Kishore Kumar, Mar 20 '12 at 19:13
Yes, okay, that is true. But that's about the VB and C# compilers. The CLR is about a runtime environment in which .NET executables run. — Damien_The_Unbeliever, Mar 20 '12 at 19:15
That means C# and VB.Net compiler generates MSIL not the CLR — Kishore Kumar, Mar 20 '12 at 19:17

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 20 '12 at 19:10

3

Managed DLLs and EXEs are in MSIL.

You can see the MSIL using ildasm.exe.

answered Mar 20 '12 at 19:10

SLaks

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For the benefit of searchers, this tool will be held somewhere like C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SDKs\Windows\v10.0A\bin\NETFX 4.6.2 Tools. The reference in this post has some samples at the bottom which are very helpful. – JsAndDotNet Jul 24 '17 at 15:53

Henk Holterman · Answer 2 · 2012-03-20T19:16:04.320

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The Ildasm.exe tool is installed ~~with the framework~~ along with VS. You can find it in the <Program Files>\Microsoft SDKs folder.

It opens .EXE and .DLL files.

edited Mar 20 '12 at 19:16

answered Mar 20 '12 at 19:10

Henk Holterman

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score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Mar 20 '12 at 19:11

1

You'll need a decompiler, such as Telerik's JustDecompile (free). With it you can open any .NET executable or DLL and examine the generated MSIL (in the language of your choice).

http://www.telerik.com/products/decompiler.aspx

answered Mar 20 '12 at 19:11

mgnoonan

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How to access the MSIL code of compiled .NET assemblies?

3 Answers3

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