CHAPTER 2 BUILDING C# APPLICATIONS
Figure 2-9. The Solution Explorer utility
Notice that the References folder of Solution Explorer displays a list of each assembly you have
currently referenced, which will differ based on the type of project you select and the version of the
Framework you are compiling against. Because you have created a Console Application, you will find a
minimal set of libraries is automatically included (such as System.dll, System.Core.dll,
System.Data.dll, and so forth).
Note Recall from Chapter 1 that the primary .NET library is named mscorlib.dll. This library will not be
shown in the Solution Explorer; however, you have access to all the contained types regardless.
Referencing External Assemblies
When you need to reference additional assemblies, right-click the References folder and select Add
Reference. At this point, you can select your assembly from the resulting dialog box (this is essentially
the way Visual Studio allows you to specify the /reference option of the command-line compiler). The
Framework tab (see Figure 2-10) displays a number of commonly used .NET assemblies; however, the
Browse tab allows you to navigate to any .NET assembly on your hard drive. Also, the very useful Recent
tab keeps a running tally of frequently referenced assemblies you have used in other projects.
55