Question 1

Should I use Cecil or Reflection for analyzing .NET assemblies?

Accepted Answer

Use Cecil for performance-critical analysis or modification without loading assemblies, as it avoids Reflection's overhead. Reflection is better for simple runtime type inspection in running applications where loading is acceptable.

Question 2

How to add a new method to an assembly using Cecil?

Accepted Answer

Create a MethodDefinition, set its attributes like name and parameters, then generate IL instructions using Cecil's ILProcessor. Finally, add it to a TypeDefinition; this requires familiarity with IL opcodes and metadata structures.

Question 3

Can Cecil be used for code obfuscation in .NET?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cecil is commonly used for obfuscation because it allows direct modification of IL code to rename symbols or alter control flow. However, it requires careful implementation to ensure the modified binary remains functional.

Question 4

Does Cecil support the latest .NET versions like .NET 6 or 7?

Accepted Answer

Cecil generally supports new .NET versions, but you should check the GitHub releases for compatibility updates, as it adapts to evolving ECMA CIL standards under the .NET Foundation.

Question 5

What are the performance benefits of Cecil over Reflection?

Accepted Answer

Cecil is more efficient because it reads binaries directly without loading them into the AppDomain, reducing memory usage and startup time significantly, making it ideal for build-time or analysis tools.

Question 6

Is Cecil suitable for building AOP frameworks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cecil is excellent for AOP frameworks that use IL weaving for aspect injection, but alternatives like PostSharp or source generators might offer easier integration for some scenarios.

Mono.Cecil

What is Mono.Cecil?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions