.Net Framework 4 Full and Net Framework 4 Client Profile Targeting

Question

I wanted to target my .net application to .NetFramework 4(Client Profile) but later i recognized that a 3rd party control uses System.Design for implementing custom control.

Now im concerned about the users, as most will have .Net Framework 4 Client Profile installed on their system rather than .Net Framework 4 Full. Will the users find it annoying to download and install the Full Framework. But there is only a minor size difference client- 41mb and full- 48 mb.

Does most .net applications require client profile only? Also is there a alternative way to use ControlDesigner class in c# with client profile.

Please help me out.

Answer 1

You simply need to select the full .NET 4 framework as the Target Framework. Trying to take any shortcut around that is going to blow up in your face. Well, your user's face most of all.

This just isn't a problem. Your Setup project needs to ensure that the right profile is available on the user's machine. Which does not involve a 48 megabyte download if she already has the Client profile, the .NET installer only downloads the missing pieces.

Answer 2

You could always have the copy set to true for System.Design and distribute that with your app.

Other than that they have to install it. There is no other way unless the 3rd party control drops the dependency.