Compile two versions of C# program automatically

Question

I have to make the same program for two different companies (different logo, different name). I would like to have this done automatically when I do a release.

I am thinking to use a resource file or a satellite assembly, but I am not sure how to proceed.

Which way do you think is the best?

Thanks.

EDIT:

• The differences are only one image and one string.
• I would like to have everything generated in one click.
• We might get more clients in the future.
• I must also add that I use SmartAssembly to merge all my dependencies into one exe file.

Answer 1

You could create a class library that contains 99% of the code, and then have two projects which each reference the common library with the 1% that differs for each company. Then a build of the whole solution will generate an executable for each company. Use this if the differences between what each company wants is just enough that you need to have [slightly] different code.

Alternatively, you could make the sections that vary dependent on data, not code. In this case, it might mean getting the logo from a file, rather than embedding it in the executable, and having a configuration xml file with the company name. This would allow you to have just a single executable for both companies.

Answer 2

Resource string in separate assembly would be the easiest distribution.

But honestly, I'd have it be a customization feature. Last thing you want is to maintain everyone's logo changes due to: legal reasons, copywrite cases, whimsical artistic license, etc.

Which is short for.... have them provide a formatted image, and have them assign the company name during installation and store that off in the registry or in a meta file of some type (XML, manifest, etc.)

Answer 3

The best I can think of it a batch script.

Get your project to reference files (images (logo), text (company name), etc). ie C:\\MyProject\\Resources. So that when the project builds it complies them into the application/installer etc.

This way, you can write a script (.bat file) which copies in the resources needed per company.

Step 1 - Delete all files in the Resources folder

Step 2 - Use MSBuild.exe to build you project

Step 3 - Copy the files needed from the bin/release folder to a directory (ie C:\\Release\\CompanyA)

Step 4 - Change the variables in the script to load the details for the next company. And repeat from step 1, so it copies over the needed resource files and rebuilds.