Vista Bridge Overview
The Vista Bridge Sample Library (VBSL) contains source code for assemblies that provide managed code developers access to new features in Windows Vista that are not available in the .NET Framework. The VBSL source code also includes sample applications that demonstrate many of the features included in the library. Some of the cross technology samples shipped with Windows SDK also demonstrate features in VBSL.
Library Design
The library uses many of the design guidelines for managed libraries. In particular, the source code for the interop layer that bridges the gap between native and managed code is divided into three files:
- NativeMethods.cs
- SafeNativeMethods.cs
- UnsafeNativeMethods.cs
These files follow the following conventions:
| File Name | Description |
|---|---|
| NativeMethods | Does not have the SuppressUnmanagedCode attribute. Methods in this file can be used anywhere because a security stack walk will be performed. |
| UnsafeNativeMethods | Has the SuppressUnmanagedCode attribute. These methods are potentially dangerous. Before calling these methods, you must do a full security review to ensure that the usage is safe and protected. The security stack walk will NOT be performed. |
| SafeNativeMethods | Has the SuppressUnmanagedCode attribute. These methods are not known to be dangerous. The security stack walk will NOT be performed. |
Features in Vista Bridge
The Vista Bridge sample library contains the following features:
- Vista style Task and File Dialogs
- Stock (system-provided) Icons
- Interop
- Application Recovery and Restart
- Known Folders
- Networking
- Power Management
- Aero Wizard Control
- CommandLink Control
- User Account Control
For a list of samples included with the Vista Bridge Library source code, see Vista Bridge Samples.