PreEmptive has closely followed the evolution of .NET Core since its inception, adapting alongside its many changes. One significant shift introduced by .NET Core is the new methods of publishing and deploying projects. These include self-contained and single-file deployments, which simplify the distribution and execution of applications.
When attempting to load a self-contained or single-file executable, Dotfuscator will present an “Invalid Input Assembly” error. This issue arises because these executable files comprise managed and unmanaged components, whereas Dotfuscator is designed to expect only managed components as input.
The same type of error can also appear when using the command-line interface:
Despite these challenges, we still need to protect these files. Managed components, which are extracted during installation, are vulnerable to being decompiled, hacked, or reverse-engineered once they are on the end-user’s device.
By integrating Dotfuscator directly into the Visual Studio project file, Dotfuscator runs a build task, protecting the MSIL (Microsoft Intermediate Language) before the application is packaged for deployment. This works whether you are deploying as self-contained, single-file, or another format.
By integrating into the project file, Dotfuscator runs a build task to protect MSIL before packaging it for deployment. This works whether deploying as self-contained, single-file, or otherwise.
NET Core has marked one of the most significant advancements in the history of .NET, enabling the development of fully cross-platform applications. This was a considerable leap, given that previously, .NET applications were primarily confined to Windows. PreEmptive continues to support these evolving deployment methods as part of our commitment to enhancing the security of .NET applications across all platforms.
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