Problem
I wrote a C# application for a client a few years ago, but the source code is no longer available. I only have the EXE that I installed on the client’s computer. Is it possible to build C# source code from an EXE?
Asked by MusiGenesis
Solution #1
Reflector and its FileDisassembler add-on.
The source code can be viewed using Reflector. FileDisassembler will convert it to a Visual Studio solution.
Answered by GEOCHET
Solution #2
When Red Gate announced that the free edition of.Net Reflector will be discontinued, I switched to ILSpy and Telerik’s JustDecompile. ILSpy decompiles more accurately than JustDecompile in my experience (which is still in Beta). Red Gate reversed their decision and now offers a free version of.Net Reflector, however I prefer ILSpy currently.
According to the website for ILSpy (https://github.com/icsharpcode/ILSpy/),
ILSpy is an open-source assembly viewer and decompiler for.NET assemblies.
Update:
ILSpy 2.0 was launched on April 15, 2012. In comparison to version 1.0, the following new features have been added:
Update:
Answered by Daniel
Solution #3
Reflector is no longer free in general, although open source developers can get it for free: http://reflectorblog.red-gate.com/2013/07/open-source/
However, several firms, such as DevExtras and JetBrains, have made free alternatives:
DevExtras CodeReflect
JetBrains DotPeek
Answered by arc
Solution #4
Denis Bauer’s Reflector and File Disassembler add-in. It creates source projects from assemblies, whereas Reflector merely displays the disassembled source on its own.
ADDED: JetBrains’ dotPeek is my most recent favorite.
Answered by ProfK
Solution #5
JustDecompile by Telerik is a free tool that allows you to generate projects from.NET assemblies.
Answered by kodefuguru
Post is based on https://stackoverflow.com/questions/179741/how-do-i-decompile-a-net-exe-into-readable-c-sharp-source-code