C# for Windows CE - where to start?

Question

Not sure if this is in the right category, but here goes:

So I'm used to using C# for desktop apps; the hire company I work for will be going over to a barcode tracking system based on handheld scanners running Windows CE, and it looks like I'm going to be developing some stuff for them.

I seem to see a lot of conflicting and confusing information about which IDE you can and can't use for developing for CE.

It looks the scanners will be running CE 5.0 or higher, so exactly what do I need to do this? Is it even possible?

At the mo I've just been using Visual C# 2010 Express for desktop stuff, but that doesn't seem to support CE.

Thanks in advance.

Gautham Nayak · Answer

Hi Can somebody please guide me on how to build a WinCE console application using C# .Net 2008 3.5 Framework. I am an novice in this area. I have done the initial sets of settings like Installation of WinCE SDk WinCE 5.0 Emulator. I tried an built a small GUI app and executing the same in the emulator and is working perfectly fine. However when the same thing is done in Console it does not respond. Can somebody please help me what additional settings/installation to be done to build an .Net winCE console app. Thanks in advance

karolis · Answer

ibrahim ersoy is right i recommend you to use vs2008 + compact framework 3.5. create a smart device project use emulator or your device to debug and test your applications. Compact framework is very limited in possibilities compared to the full framework. There will be a period then you'll need to search info for making things to work. Also look at OpenNETCF project or smth. like that. It has loads of code which makes things easier. Good luck!:)

Ibrahim Ersoy · Answer

+ you will need to use Visual Studio 2005/2008. VS2010 doesnt support Windows CE as far as i know.

Mahesh Chand · Answer

Also look at Windows CE Embedded. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsembedded/ce/default

Mahesh Chand · Answer

You need to download and install .NET Compact Framework to build Windows CE applications using Visual C# and .NET. Here is some information. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947560