COM Interop vs Windows Runtime Interop

Developers should learn COM Interop when working on meets developers should learn windows runtime interop when building windows applications that require integration between components written in different languages, such as combining c++ for performance-critical parts with c# for ui in universal windows platform (uwp) apps. Here's our take.

COM Interop

Nice Pick

Developers should learn COM Interop when working on

Pros

• NET projects that need to interact with legacy COM-based software, such as older Windows applications, ActiveX controls, or Office automation
• Related to: .net-framework, csharp

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Windows Runtime Interop

Developers should learn Windows Runtime Interop when building Windows applications that require integration between components written in different languages, such as combining C++ for performance-critical parts with C# for UI in Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps

Pros

• It is essential for scenarios like accessing WinRT APIs from legacy code, creating mixed-language libraries, or developing cross-platform tools that target Windows, as it ensures seamless communication and data exchange across language boundaries
• Related to: windows-runtime, com-interop

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. COM Interop is a concept while Windows Runtime Interop is a tool. We picked COM Interop based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

COM Interop wins

Based on overall popularity. COM Interop is more widely used, but Windows Runtime Interop excels in its own space.