.NET Reflector vs dnSpy

Struggling to choose between .NET Reflector and dnSpy? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

.NET Reflector is a Development solution with tags like net, decompiler, disassembler, reflection.

It boasts features such as Decompiles .NET assemblies into C# or IL code, Analyzes dependencies between assemblies, Supports add-ins for enhanced functionality, Integrates with Visual Studio, Supports debugging compiled assemblies, Provides class, method, property browsing and pros including Easy to use graphical interface, Generates clean, readable code, Free for non-commercial use, Helpful for understanding 3rd party libraries, Useful for optimizing and troubleshooting code.

On the other hand, dnSpy is a Development product tagged with disassembler, decompiler, debugger, net.

Its standout features include Assembly editing, Decompilation, Debugging, Symbol support, Base Class Library source code, and it shines with pros like Open source, Powerful decompilation capabilities, Easy assembly editing, Good debugging features, Active development.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

.NET Reflector

.NET Reflector

.NET Reflector is a popular .NET decompiler and static analysis tool that allows developers to examine and understand the structure and code of .NET assemblies. It can decompile code back into a high-level programming language for analysis.

Categories:
net decompiler disassembler reflection

.NET Reflector Features

  1. Decompiles .NET assemblies into C# or IL code
  2. Analyzes dependencies between assemblies
  3. Supports add-ins for enhanced functionality
  4. Integrates with Visual Studio
  5. Supports debugging compiled assemblies
  6. Provides class, method, property browsing

Pricing

  • Free
  • One-time Purchase

Pros

Easy to use graphical interface

Generates clean, readable code

Free for non-commercial use

Helpful for understanding 3rd party libraries

Useful for optimizing and troubleshooting code

Cons

Limited decompilation of obfuscated assemblies

Does not perfectly reproduce original source code

Commercial use requires purchase

Add-ins can increase cost for full functionality


dnSpy

dnSpy

dnSpy is an open-source .NET assembly editor, decompiler, and debugger. It allows you to edit and debug .NET assemblies and execute code in .NET applications. dnSpy provides features likeassembly editing, debugging, symbol support, Base Class Library source code, and more.

Categories:
disassembler decompiler debugger net

DnSpy Features

  1. Assembly editing
  2. Decompilation
  3. Debugging
  4. Symbol support
  5. Base Class Library source code

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source

Powerful decompilation capabilities

Easy assembly editing

Good debugging features

Active development

Cons

Steep learning curve

Limited documentation

No GUI design view

Can be slow on large assemblies