Table of Contents

dotPeek

dotPeek is a freely accessible tool developed by JetBrains, designed to analyze and decompile .NET assemblies. It is an efficient and convenient tool that enables developers to explore and investigate the contents of compiled .NET code, even when the source code is not accessible.

Key features include:

  • High-quality decompilation: dotPeek effectively converts the assemblies into equivalent C# code, providing clear understanding of how the assembly functions.
  • Built-in viewer: It comes with a built-in viewer for .resources files, and it can also decompile .exe, .dll, and .winmd files.
  • Navigation and search: dotPeek enables seamless navigation through the decompiled code with options to search for specific symbols, files, or types.
  • Integrates with Visual Studio: It acts as a symbol server for Visual Studio, allowing you to step into decompiled assemblies while debugging.
  • Export to project: dotPeek allows you to decompile and export assemblies into Visual Studio projects for further inspection and modification.
Important

Both binary and source code may be protected by copyright and trademark laws. Ensure that the license agreement permits decompilation of the binary code. If not, obtain explicit permission from the copyright owner before proceeding with decompilation.

Tip

For more information, see dotPeek Introduction.

Debugging third-party libraries

DataMiner and DIS support the creation and use of NuGet libraries, a feature tailored to boost your development process.

Because these packages are typically shipped without debug symbols and source code, the Visual Studio debugger is unable to step into the package code. However, dotPeek provides a solution to this challenge. Acting as a symbol server for Visual Studio, dotPeek can automatically generate PDB files and corresponding source files.

Configuration

  1. Open the third-party libraries in dotPeek.

    Note

    dotPeek can load entire folders. In DataMiner, NuGet packages are stored under C:\Skyline DataMiner\ProtocolScripts\DllImport.

  2. In the main menu, select Tools > Symbol Server to start the symbol server.

    Note

    When the dotPeek symbol server is first started, you are asked to choose the assemblies you want to generate symbol files for. Select All except .Net Framework assemblies.

  3. In Visual Studio, select Tools Options.

  4. Navigate to Debugging and make sure Enable Just My Code is not selected.

  5. Navigate to Debugging > Symbols and click the plus icon to add a new location to the symbol file locations.

  6. Specify the address http://localhost:33417 to link dotPeek as symbol server.

    Note

    The port number can be configured in dotPeek.

  7. Start your debugging session.

Tip

For more information, see Use dotPeek as a symbol server.

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