Non existent references

[ethangk]

Hey,
Im using visual studio 2008, if I add a reference to the project references, but don't call it, using the "using" statement, and then test it out on a computer that doesn't have it, will that cause a problem?
The situation I am in is that I am referencing the iTunes com library, what will happen if my program runs on a computer without the com library installed, even if the com library isnt called?

Thanks,

ethangk

[tlhintoq]

Give it a try - Trial and error are the best ways to learn.
What's the worst that could happen: Your program doesn't run?

[ethangk]

Thanks for the quick reply :)
The only problem is that I only have my desktop, which I am using to develop, and has the iTunes com library installed, and im unsure if I uninstall iTunes, if the com library will go too, and I am a little iffy about uninstalling iTunes for a few reasons. Il see if I can uninstall just the iTunes com library.

[ethangk]

I published it and then had a looksie through the files it generated. One of them was a "Interop.iTunesLib.dll.deploy" along with "MyProgramName.exe.deploy". I got rid of the deploy on both then moved them to a seperate folder from the one they were generated in. I then moved the ituneslib.dll to another folder and ran the program successfully. Keeping in mind that the file with the itunes code in isnt actually run in this build, this gives me the feeling it will work?

[tlhintoq]

@ethangk
Read up on virtualization and Virtual Machines. This is going to be pretty darned useful to you. It is the process of creating a virtual computer running within your computer. So if you are running WIndows Vista, you can then run a Windows XP computer within its own window on your Vista box. This way you can own one PC, yet test on multiple operating systems with different configurations. Each Virtual Machine runs from a hard drive FILE on your computer. So you can keep a Win2k, WinXP, WinVista, WinXPNoItunes, and so on very easily. You can have them return to their original state after each launch. You can back up their state by just duplicating their hard drive file.

[madankarmukta]

@ethangk
Since iTune Shipped as a part os OS installation.. Do the system on which you are trying to test it have the same operating system as that of your's ? If that is the case It should work.. otherwise tlhintoq's Suggetsion to use virtual machine is quite good.. Just try ir once..

Thanks!

[ethangk]

I had considered this, although I am pretty low on HDD space, which made it kinda difficult. I ended up just sending it to a friend though, who doesnt have iTunes or the iTunes com library installed, and even though its being referenced, but not called, the program runs fine :)

Thanks

ethangk

[ethangk]

@madankarmukta
The only OS that I know of that ships iTunes pre-installed is OS X, and the system I am developing on is XP Professional

[madankarmukta]

@ethangk
Could you please ellaborate more on what you wann to say..?

Thanks!

[ethangk]

Thanks but I have fixed the problem. I was unsure if a non existent reference that is not called would throw an error, but it doesn't.

Thanks
ethangk

[Frinavale]

@ethangk
You're quite correct.
Null Reference Exceptions only occur when you attempt to use a variable that has not been assigned. Simply having a variable that has not been assigned to a value is not going to cause any problems so long as it's not accessed in your application.