c# - .NET - Multiple libraries with the same namespace - referencing

Question

Today I am faced with a curious challenge...

This challenge involves two .NET libraries that I need to reference from my application. Both of which I have no control over and have the same namespace within them.

So...

I have foo.dll that contains a Widget class that is located on the Blue.Red.Orange namespace.

I have bar.dll that also contains a Widget class that is also located on the Blue.Red.Orange namespace.

Finally I have my application that needs to reference both foo.dll and bar.dll. This is needed as within my application I need to use the Widget class from foo and also the Widget class from bar

So, the question is how can I manage these references so that I can be certain I am using the correct Widget class?

As mentioned, I have no control over the foo or bar libraries, they are what they are and cannot be changed. I do however have full control over my application.

Answer 1

You need to use an extern alias - introduced in C# 2.

Anson Horton has a walkthrough on his blog which you may find useful.