P/Invoke vs COM Interop

Developers should learn P/Invoke when building meets developers should learn com interop when working on . Here's our take.

P/Invoke

Nice Pick

Developers should learn P/Invoke when building

Pros

• NET applications that need to interact with native Windows APIs (e
• Related to: csharp, dotnet-framework

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

COM Interop

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

The Verdict

Use P/Invoke if: You want net applications that need to interact with native windows apis (e and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use COM Interop if: You prioritize net projects that need to interact with legacy com-based software, such as older windows applications, activex controls, or office automation over what P/Invoke offers.

The Bottom Line

P/Invoke wins

Developers should learn P/Invoke when building