C#: Run application in debug mode

Question

I have an WinForms application. I wan't to run app sometimes with parameter, like this:

myapp.exe -d

which tells app to do some unusual actions like write a log, or show some additional info.

What is the best way to do it?

The first came to my mind was an adding main function args reading, and when parameter passed then create some flag and then use it to do some additional actions.

But maybe there is more beautiful and right way for this?

I would say you are doing it correctly. No need to look any further. — Fred, Sep 05 '12 at 10:11
Not a duplicate, but this question will guide you in the right direction http://stackoverflow.com/questions/27610/how-to-add-simple-tracing-in-c — Steve, Sep 05 '12 at 10:11
Why not use a logging framework such log4net? You can always set the appropriate log level using a config file — coder_bro, Sep 05 '12 at 10:20

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Sep 05 '12 at 10:10

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If this is a feature that is going to be rarely used, consider using:

Trace.WriteLine("");

Then use something like DebugView whenever you need to...

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896647.aspx

answered Sep 05 '12 at 10:10

Robbie Dee

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very rarely :) Exactly my case. Thanks! – Ksice Sep 05 '12 at 11:50

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 05 '12 at 10:13

1

Actually the best way to this is using args. The sole purpose of having args is this. The way you selected is the best way to it.

answered Sep 05 '12 at 10:13

Geethanga

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score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Sep 05 '12 at 10:16

Command line arguments are a fine way to do this. You'll need to process them from the arguments to Main, probably setting some global (readonly) state which later processing can check.

(To avoid globals – eg. for unit testing – you could use dependency injection into the parts of the application that depend on the command line to make mocking easier.)

C#: Run application in debug mode

3 Answers3