DirectX in C#

Abstract

Several techniques of implementing DirectX functionality into C# application will be presented. Their common attribute is an idea of component object model (COM) because DirectX is based on component technology. This paper will be focused on use of DirectX graphical capabilities within the C# code of the Microsoft .NET Framework. Three main techniques will be described. First, COM interoperability which allows us to decide what specific functionality to use. There will be also mentioned some basic principles like memory management and garbage collector (GC) and some approaches based on wrapper classes. Second, Visual Basic type library that includes all the functionality, and third, the complete solution known as DirectX 9.0. Each technique will be supported with a code snippet and with several reasons stating its suitability. Nowadays, the need for security can be more important than for the efficiency. This also gives a right answer for the question of how good is solution provided by use of DirectX and .NET Framework.