Visual Studio 2008 - Project without DLL

Question

I need to add a reference to a project to do some reflection. But it seems that this project doesn't have a .DLL file (even after building it).

Can this happen?

Answer 1

If you're adding a reference to a project that you have the source code for, just add the project to your solution and add the reference to the project. Always prefer referencing projects over referencing binaries if the option is available.

If you're adding a reference to something that isn't already a project in the solution, then you'll (of course) need the binary.

Don't try to add a reference to a binary that's generated by a project that's already in the solution. That's just silly. :)

Answer 2

The project could be an executable or website project for a couple of possibilities to my mind.

Answer 3

Is it an ASP.NET Website? they won't compile into dll's but an ASP.NET Web Project will.

Answer 4

If it's a Class library project there should be a DLL as the output. I suggest checking the Application tab of the project settings and see what Application Type it is.
You can also check the Compile tab to check where the assembly will be created.