The word "pinvoke" is commonly used in computer programming, particularly when interacting with native libraries in Microsoft Windows. It is pronounced /pɪ'noʊk/ (pih-NOHK), with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of this word combines "P" for "platform" and "invoke," meaning to call upon or request something. Therefore, "pinvoke" describes the act of calling a method from a platform's native library. This word is an essential component of Microsoft's programming languages, such as C# and Visual Basic.
PInvoke, short for Platform Invoke, is a term commonly used within the realm of software development that refers to a technique or mechanism that enables interoperability and communication between managed code written in a high-level programming language, typically C#, and unmanaged code written in a lower-level language like C or C++. PInvoke allows developers to access and utilize functionality present in unmanaged code libraries or APIs from managed code environments.
The process of PInvoke involves creating a bridge between higher-level languages and low-level languages by facilitating the calling of functions from unmanaged libraries or DLLs (Dynamic-Link Libraries) within the managed code. It allows developers to utilize the power and capabilities offered by legacy code, native system libraries, or external software components written in unmanaged languages.
To make use of PInvoke, developers need to declare the appropriate data types and function signatures in managed code, specifying how the interaction between managed and unmanaged code will occur. Additionally, developers need to handle memory management, ensure proper type conversions, and handle any potential error conditions that might arise during the calling process.
PInvoke is widely used across various platforms and frameworks, enabling developers to extend the functionality of their applications, leverage native libraries, or access specialized system resources that are not directly available through managed code. It provides a means of integrating native code seamlessly within managed code environments, facilitating the development of comprehensive and performance-critical applications.
The word "pinvoke" is an abbreviation of "Platform Invocation", which refers to a method of calling functions that are defined in a native code library from managed code in the Microsoft .NET framework. The "p" in "pinvoke" stands for "platform", and "invoke" implies the act of calling or invoking.