C# put date into program when compiled

Question

I was thinking about how to create a program that would only be valid for X period of time, (within a C# app).

What I was thinking was that you would have the curren

Answer 1

I'd suggest that you have the date in a separate, strong named assembly - then at least the malevolent user will find it hard to disassemble, edit and get your program to use it. Is there a way to have two assemblies validating each other based on strong names?

We kind of use this as a first step in our license control for one of our components. If the calling assembly has the same fingerprint as the license controlled one, we assume that it's being used within our own software and licensing is bypassed. If the calling assembly has a different fingerprint or no print at all, normal license checka are carried through. When I come to think of it, our users could probably disassemble, compile without strong naming and bypass licensing. But then again, all our assemblies are shipped as x86, not CIL - would that change anything?

Our experience is that if you're dealing with corporate customers, no-one can bear the hassle of tampering with your stuff, especially since there is a risk in getting caught. A little goes a long way, our current licensing solution is pretty outdated (the package includes examples for VC5!) but has been a high enough hurdle so far. With consumers, on the other hand, I can imagine that it's a bigger threat.

My initial suggestion seems to spawn more questions that answers - perhaps not that helpful after all. :)