Windows Runtime Interop vs P/Invoke

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 meets developers should learn p/invoke when building . Here's our take.

Windows Runtime Interop

Nice Pick

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

P/Invoke

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

The Verdict

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

The Bottom Line

Windows Runtime Interop wins

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